Equipment Operator

Job Title:

Equipment Operator

Pay Rate Type:
Non-Exempt

Creation Date/Revision Date: 04/24/2026

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating various types of machinery to support right of way vegetation maintenance and clearance around power lines. This role identifies safety hazards and helps perform basic maintenance to ensure equipment is within working order to support business needs.

• Loads and unloads vehicles and equipment from a trailer. Responsible for proper load securement in accordance with company policies, approved work methods and FMCSA regulations.
• Works on the ground using hand saws, ground saws or other applicable tools to cut brush, limbs and logs of larger trees. Also utilizes a variety of tools (i.e. rake, shovel, leaf blower) to remove debris from work area.
• Gathers manageable size brush, limbs and logs and carries to the designated chipping area.
• Operates heavy machinery such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinder, feller‑buncher, etc.
• Adheres to and helps educate less experienced employees on company policies, on‑job safety practices, approved work methods and OSHA regulations.
• Uses applicable herbicide equipment to treat stumps and brush. Maintain appropriate application records.
• Applies herbicide and growth regulators to brush and stumps.
• Works around hazardous equipment and in close proximity to energized power lines.
• Conducts pre‑inspection of work area to identify potential hazards.
• Loads vehicles and equipment with manageable size limbs and logs not suited for wood chipping.
• Sets up warning signs, barriers, flags, relays hand‑signals, directs traffic and other applicable traffic control devices to protect employees and members of the public from hazards in and around the work area. Cooperates with property owner, customer, and emergency personnel when blocking streets or driveways.
• Staging and clean‑up of tools and equipment at the job site. Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
• Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions. Conducts routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment and tools. Reports specialized vehicle maintenance or equipment needs to General Foreperson.
• During emergencies or natural disasters may be required to be on duty and travel outside of regular work location for the duration of the disaster. Assists with contacting and coordinating the crew’s response to such work and responsible for determining proper steps necessary to eliminate hazards and trim/remove trees while onsite during emergency response.
• Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.

• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment as assigned.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as boom trimmers or mowers, excavators, tub grinder, feller‑buncher, etc.
• Knowledge of trees, including identification, growth habits and arboricultural techniques specific to trimming, pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing, in close proximity to energized conductors.
• Knowledge and understanding of the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations (ANSI Z133.1-current version).
• Ability to adhere and coach employees on company and industry safety requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and skilled in reading and understanding circuit maps.
• Knowledge of OSHA electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standards. Ability to determine nominal voltage, proper use of insulated tools near energized parts and distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.
• Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately.
• Must be able to communicate with others and represent Wright Tree Service in a professional manner.
• Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information.
• Ability to recognize poisonous plants and…