Tree Removal Crane Operator

We are seeking a knowledgeable, experienced, and safety-focused Crane Operator to join our growing team. This position is ideal for an individual with strong crane operating skills who takes pride in precision, safety, and teamwork and enjoys working in the tree care industry.

As a Crane Operator with our team, you will play a critical role in safely and efficiently supporting residential, commercial, and municipal tree removal and crane-assisted tree care operations. You will be responsible for operating our crane during complex tree removals, carefully positioning and lifting tree sections, coordinating with ground and climbing crews, and ensuring each job is completed safely and efficiently.

The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who understands the importance of communication, precision, and situational awareness on a tree removal site. You should be comfortable working around homes, power lines, structures, landscaping, and other obstacles while maintaining a strong focus on safety. The ability to work as part of a team and communicate clearly with climbers, ground crew members, and supervisors is essential.

This position offers the opportunity to operate modern equipment, work alongside experienced arborists and tree care professionals, receive ongoing training, and continue developing your career within a growing tree service company.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate cranes for tree removal, tree care, and other crane-assisted arboricultural operations.
• Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections of cranes, rigging equipment, and related machinery.
• Properly position and set up the crane at job sites, including assessing ground conditions, access, overhead obstructions, and safe operating areas.
• Safely lift, swing, and place tree sections, logs, and other materials according to established rigging plans and job-site conditions.
• Work closely with climbers, ground crew, and supervisors to coordinate picks and ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Follow all crane load charts, manufacturer specifications, job-site requirements, and company safety procedures.
• Maintain constant awareness of load weights, crane capacity, boom position, working radius, ground conditions, and surrounding hazards.
• Communicate clearly with the tree crew during crane operations using established hand signals, radios, or other communication methods.
• Assist with rigging and understand proper rigging techniques, load control, and safe lifting practices.
• Operate cranes safely around homes, buildings, vehicles, landscaping, utility lines, and other structures.
• Maintain accurate inspection and maintenance records for assigned equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and communicate any mechanical or safety concerns immediately.
• Keep cranes, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and in safe operating condition.
• Assist the crew with other tree care and ground operations when crane work is not being performed.
• Follow OSHA, ANSI, manufacturer, and company safety standards and procedures at all times.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuing education as required.
• Represent the company professionally when interacting with customers, property owners, and other contractors on job sites.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating cranes, preferably in tree removal or the arboriculture industry.
• Strong understanding of crane operation, load charts, lifting capacities, and safe operating procedures.
• Experience with crane-assisted tree removal and arboricultural rigging preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• CDL preferred and/or required based on equipment operated and applicable regulations.
• NCCCO or other recognized crane operator certification preferred.
• Ability to obtain or maintain any required licenses, certifications, or qualifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work safely and effectively around heights, heavy equipment, power lines, structures, and other job-site hazards.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds or more and perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional early mornings, extended workdays, and weekends when necessary.
• Dependable, punctual, safety-conscious, and willing to work as part of a team.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience, certifications, and qualifications
• Performance-based bonuses
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Company-provided equipment and uniforms
• Ongoing safety and professional training
• Continuing education and certification opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing company
• A professional and supportive team environment
• The opportunity to operate modern crane equipment on a variety of challenging tree care projects

If you are an experienced Crane Operator who takes pride in safe, precise, and professional work, we invite you to join our team. Your skill and attention to detail will play an important role in helping our crews safely complete some of the most challenging tree removal projects while maintaining our commitment to safety, quality, and exceptional customer service.

If this is for a Harlan Tree Service job posting, I can also make it more recruiting-focused and attractive to experienced crane operators, including a stronger opening, pay language, and a section highlighting the type/size of crane they would operate.

Pay: $45.00 - $60.00 per hour

License/Certification:

• Arborist Certification (Preferred)
• Plant Health Care (PHC) / Spray Technician Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Exton, PA 19341 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person