Equipment Operator

About the role

At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk! Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions! Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie! Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

Responsibilities

As an Equipment Operator at Lewis Services, you will operate heavy equipment per Lewis policy and manufacturer guidelines, safeguard equipment and ensure proper maintenance and inspection, identify and mark hazards in the work area, promote safety for colleagues and the public, and maintain tools, equipment, and work vehicles.

• Report equipment issues and incidents immediately
• Support customer and public relations
• Drive and operate trucks and other assigned equipment
• Participate in job briefings and site preparation
• Remove vegetation and debris (e.g., lifting logs, dragging brush)
• Operate chainsaws and similar equipment after demonstrating proficiency
• Load/unload trucks and machinery
• Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment
• Apply herbicide in compliance with regulations
• Set up traffic control zones and direct traffic
• Travel frequently, including overnight stays
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

You will need to bring understanding of policies and procedures for Equipment Operators, relevant licenses/certifications to operate heavy equipment, general knowledge of trees and arboriculture techniques (if involved in tree work), completion of Equipment Operator Technical Knowledge Certification, and basic knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read circuit maps.

• Herbicide applicator certification and licensing
• Valid driver’s license, CDL, and medical certification (as required)
• CPR and First Aid certification (provided by Lewis)
• Compliance with all applicable laws

Physical Demands

You will need to be able to lift up to 50 lbs. to shoulder height, push or pull a minimum of 50 lbs., walk or hike up to one mile on uneven terrain, climb onto and off of equipment, endure extreme climate conditions, hear, speak, see, and communicate effectively, and operate two-handed tools and equipment.

• Continuously: Operating equipment, handling/grasping, repetitive movements
• Frequently: Sitting
• Occasionally: Lifting/carrying, pushing/pulling, driving, climbing, stooping/kneeling, reaching, walking, standing
• Never: Tree ascending/descending, confined spaces

Environmental Conditions

You will be working in outdoor conditions, with frequent temperature extremes, occasional noise levels, and rare hazardous materials or air quality issues.

• Continuously: Outdoor work
• Frequently: Temperature extremes
• Occasionally: Noise levels
• Rarely: Hazardous materials, air quality issues
• Never: Confined spaces

Tools and Equipment

Equipment may include aerial lift trucks, dump trucks, ATVs, chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, chipper, blowers, pruners, rakes, winches, ropes, herbicide applicators, fuel, cones, signs, communication devices, tablet computers, manual and hydraulic tools.

Benefits

We offer competitive pay, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), paid training and certifications, health, dental, vision & HSA options, 401(k) + paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).