Equipment Operator

The Equipment Operator position is in the Arbor Care Department. The successful candidate will operate CDL-required, medium-duty boom trucks, wood chippers, and other specialized equipment in support of campus tree care and maintenance operations. The incumbent performs ground-based tree trimming, assists with loading and processing tree debris through wood chippers, and conducts general cleanup of work sites. Responsibilities also include the installation and maintenance of campus banners and support overall grounds and tree maintenance activities.

The Equipment Operator works regularly in challenging outdoor environments, including extreme summer temperatures, dusty conditions, high noise levels, vibration, and exposure to moving mechanical equipment. The Equipment Operator requires a strong commitment to safety, situational awareness, and adherence to established procedures when operating and working around equipment with potentially hazardous moving parts.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Operates and drives a CDL-required medium-duty truck to transport personnel, equipment, tree debris, and materials to and from work sites while following applicable safety procedures, departmental guidelines, and equipment operating standards.
• Safely tows and maneuvers trailers, wood chippers, and related equipment as required for tree maintenance operations.
• Operates, inspects, and performs routine maintenance on wood chippers, chainsaws, pole saws, and other tree care equipment including checking oil, grease points, air filters, and general equipment cleanup.
• Loads, unloads, and transports equipment, tools, and materials to and from work sites.
• Loads limbs, brush, logs, and other debris into wood chippers and assists with debris removal and site cleanup.
• Trims and prunes trees, shrubs, and vegetation from the ground using hand and power tools including chainsaws, pole chainsaws, hand pruners, pole saws, loppers, and hand saws in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs general tree care activities, including removing and installing tree stakes and tie wire.
• Installs and removes banners, flags, and related display materials throughout campus locations utilizing an 8-foot ladder and a 30-foot bucket truck basket.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of basic tree care, pruning, and urban forestry practices.
• Knowledge of the safe operation of wood chippers, chainsaws, and landscaping equipment.
• Knowledge of proper tree staking, guying, and tree establishment practices.
• Skilled in operating hand and power tools used in grounds and tree maintenance.
• Skilled in safely handling and processing tree debris and vegetation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to bend and pick up branches and lift, carry, and move 20 lbs. repeatedly.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in hot and varying weather conditions and in environments with elevated noise, dust, and other outdoor elements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Must have a valid state of Arizona CDL with air brake endorsement.
  
  

• Experience supporting arborist or tree maintenance crews.
• Experience operating wood chippers, chainsaws, or other tree care equipment.
• Experience working around boom trucks, aerial lift operations, or tree removal activities.
• Experience with tree staking, guying, and tree establishment practices.