CDL LOG TRUCK OPERATOR

About the role

Alpine Tree Service is a high-growth, full-service tree care company serving residential and commercial clients across New Jersey. We operate with a focus on safety, professionalism, and execution — following ANSI standards and delivering a premium customer experience. We are building a team of professionals, not just workers.

The CDL Log Truck Operator runs Alpine's log trucks — including knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations — transporting wood products between job sites, mills, and the yard. This is an experienced operator role that combines safe truck operation with hands-on field support. The right operator runs efficiently, safely, and keeps the equipment in shape.

Responsibilities

• Transporting wood products to and from job sites, mills, and the Alpine yard
• Operating knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations
• Using chainsaws to cut wood as needed
• Assisting Tree Crews with operations as needed
• Daily inspection, maintenance, and care of Alpine's log trucks
• Maintaining DOT compliance and reporting standards
• Communicating clearly with crews, the yard, and the office

How We Operate

Operating Alpine’s log trucks well takes skill and accountability. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Actively Seek Knowledge: You stay sharp on truck operation techniques, DOT requirements, equipment changes, and safe loading practices. The operators who stay sharp on the details are the ones who avoid the costly mistakes.
• Think Ahead to Solve Problems: You plan loads efficiently, anticipate route challenges, and spot maintenance issues before they become breakdowns. A log truck running smoothly is the result of an operator thinking ahead.
• Be Adaptable: Different job sites, different log loads, varying mill and yard schedules. You adjust without losing momentum or compromising safety.
• Loyalty to the Team: When you're not driving, you're supporting the crew on the ground. You communicate clearly with field crews, the yard, and dispatch. The crew counts on you to be where you need to be, when you need to be there.
• Have the Motivation to Be the Best: A clean truck, on-time deliveries, and a professional presence reflect on Alpine every time you're on the road. The best log truck operators take ownership of all of it.

Qualifications

• Class B CDL with a valid and insurable driver's license
• Proven work experience as a log truck operator in the tree care industry (minimum 2 years tree care operations experience)
• Experience with chainsaw operation
• Ability to maintain DOT compliance
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs and work 8+ hours a day in variable weather conditions
• English proficiency
• Authorized to work in the United States

Preferred:

• Experience operating knuckle boom and grapple loader configurations
• Familiarity with NJ mill and disposal sites (such as Castner's Sawmill)
• Additional CDL endorsements

Why Alpine

We're growing — and we're looking for people who want to grow with us. That means real training, real equipment, and a real career path in one of New Jersey's top tree care companies.

• Real Training, High-Tech Equipment: ISA Certified Arborists on staff, ANSI Z133 standards on every job, and the best gear in the industry — including the Tree-MEK, one of the most capable cranes in the region.
• Clear Advancement: Ground crew become climbers. Climbers become operators. Operators become crew leads. We promote from within whenever we can, and we pay for the certifications that get you there.
• Team-First Culture: No passengers, no ego. We hire people who want to be part of something — not people clocking in.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay starting at $35/hour, based on experience and performance.

• Health & Wellness: Health insurance; Dental insurance; Vision insurance
• Time Off: Paid time off; Paid holidays; Paid sick time (in line with NJ policy)
• Financial: Competitive pay based on performance, not just tenure; 401(k) with 3% company match
• Growth & Development: On-the-job training from day one; Ongoing professional development; Company-paid certifications — ISA Arborist and Pesticide Applicator licenses where applicable; Clear advancement path with internal promotion priority
• Equipment & Tools: Industry-leading equipment, including the Tree-MEK crane; Full safety equipment provided; Company phone

Who This Role Is For

This Role Is For Someone Who:

• Has real tree care log truck experience and takes pride in operating the equipment well
• Communicates clearly with crews, mills, and the office
• Wants to be part of an operation where the equipment, safety, and execution all matter

This May Not Be The Right Fit If You:

• Prefer general trucking work outside the tree care industry
• Aren't comfortable assisting field crews when not behind the wheel
• Don't enjoy the equipment maintenance and care side of the job