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Aerial Applicator Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Harrisonburg, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Clearwater, FL ยท On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Roxboro, NC ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Durham, NC

$18.25 - $25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Manassas, VA

$19 - $26/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Equipment Operator

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Load/unload trucks and machinery * Hike difficult terrain while carrying tools and equipment ... Herbicide applicator certification and licensing * Valid driver's license, CDL, and medical ...

Showing results 21-40

Aerial Applicator Loader information

See salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do aerial applicator loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator loader in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial applicator loader?

Aerial Applicator Loaders are professionals responsible for safely loading agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, into aircraft used for aerial application (crop dusting). Their duties include measuring and mixing chemicals, ensuring proper handling and storage, and assisting pilots with fueling and logistics. They play a critical role in supporting aerial applicators by adhering to strict safety protocols and environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial applicator loader?

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator Loader, you need a solid understanding of agricultural chemicals, safe handling procedures, and physical stamina, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with loading equipment, mixing systems, and sometimes GPS or inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a strong sense of responsibility are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient support for aerial application operations, which is essential for both environmental safety and operational success.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial applicator loaders and how can they be overcome?

Aerial Applicator Loaders often work under tight time constraints to ensure aircraft are loaded quickly and accurately, especially during peak spraying seasons. Challenges include handling hazardous chemicals safely, working in varying weather conditions, and coordinating effectively with pilots and ground crews. To overcome these challenges, loaders should adhere strictly to safety protocols, participate in regular training, and maintain clear communication with the team. Developing strong organizational skills and attention to detail can also help prevent errors and keep operations running smoothly.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Applicator Loader jobs?

For Aerial Applicator Loader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,188 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Harrisonburg, VA โ€ข On-site

Lewis Services
Utilitiesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Join a Company That Grows People

At Lewis, weโ€™re not just trimming trees โ€” weโ€™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 โ€” you're investing in your future.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It Here
  • Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk! 
  • Elevate your career with us โ€” 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)!

What Youโ€™ll Do as an Equipment Operator
  • 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
  • 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

What You 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
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and ability to read circuit maps
  • Herbicide applicator certification and licensing
  • Valid driverโ€™s license, CDL, and medical certification (as required)
  • CPR and First Aid certification (provided by Lewis)
  • Compliance with all applicable laws
Physical Demands

Ability 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
  • Operate two-handed tools and equipment

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

Environmental Conditions

Continuously โ€“ Outdoor work
Frequently โ€“ Temperature extremes
Occasionally โ€“ Noise levels
Rarely โ€“ Hazardous materials, air quality issues
Never โ€“ Confined spaces

Comments: Conditions vary by region. PPE required per OSHA and ANSI standards.

Tools & 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
What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits:

  • 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)

Our People Promise

Our commitment to Our People is key to the success of our business.  We respect the differences between us, and we leverage those differences to create an environment where all employees feel welcome and fairly treated.  We seek the best solutions possible by attracting and engaging a diverse workforce where all perspectives are sought out and valued. 


Lewis Tree Service is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for both applicants and employees. Lewis Tree Service prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees and applicants based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age (40+), religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, apprenticeship, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Lewis Tree Serviceโ€™s practices and policies are administered under applicable federal, state, and local laws.


รšnase a una empresa que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas

En Lewis, no solo podamos รกrboles, construimos un futuro. Como la segunda empresa de mayor tamaรฑo de gestiรณn de servicios y vegetaciรณn en Norteamรฉrica y una orgullosa empresa propiedad de sus empleados, creemos que cada persona de nuestro equipo es importante. Cuando se incorpora a Lewis, no solo comienza un trabajo, invierte en su futuro.

Por quรฉ le encantarรก trabajar aquรญ

  • ยกExperimente un maravilloso entorno al aire libre mientras trabaja en la naturaleza, no quede atrapado detrรกs de un escritorio! 
  • Eleve su carrera profesional con nosotros. ยกPriorizamos la capacitaciรณn y las promociones internas! 
  • ยกรšnase a un equipo vibrante que es pionero en seguridad, valora su opiniรณn y fomenta un fuerte sentido de la camaraderรญa! 
  • ยกForme su futuro con nosotros a travรฉs de nuestro fantรกstico Plan de Propiedad de Acciones para Empleados (ESOP)!

Sus funciones como operador de maquinaria

  • Operar maquinaria pesada segรบn la polรญtica de Lewis y las pautas del fabricante
  • Proteger la maquinaria y garantizar el mantenimiento y la inspecciรณn adecuada
  • Identificar y marcar los peligros en el รกrea de trabajo
  • Promover la seguridad de los colegas y del pรบblico
  • Mantener las herramientas, maquinarias y vehรญculos de trabajo
  • Informar de inmediato los problemas e incidentes con la maquinaria
  • Apoyar las relaciones con los clientes y el pรบblico
  • Conducir y operar camiones, y otras maquinarias asignadas
  • Participar en reuniones informativas sobre el trabajo y la preparaciรณn del sitio.
  • Retirar la vegetaciรณn y los escombros (p. ej., levantar troncos o arrastrar maleza).
  • Operar motosierras y equipos similares despuรฉs de demostrar la destreza
  • Cargar/descargar camiones y maquinaria
  • Caminar en terrenos difรญciles mientras con herramientas y equipos
  • Aplicar herbicida en cumplimiento de las reglamentaciones
  • Establecer zonas de control de trรกfico y dirigir el trรกfico
  • Viajar con frecuencia, incluidos pernoctes
  • Realizar otras tareas relacionadas asignadas

Lo que usted aporta:

  • Comprensiรณn de las polรญticas y procedimientos para los operadores de maquinaria
  • Licencias/certificaciones pertinentes para operar maquinaria pesada
  • Conocimientos generales sobre รกrboles y tรฉcnicas de arboricultura (si se trabaja con รกrboles)
  • Obtenciรณn de la certificaciรณn de conocimientos tรฉcnicos para operador de maquinaria
  • Conocimientos bรกsicos de circuitos elรฉctricos y capacidad para leer mapas de circuitos
  • Certificaciรณn y licencia de aplicador de herbicida
  • Licencia de conducir vรกlida, CDL y certificaciรณn mรฉdica (segรบn se requiera)
  • Certificaciรณn en RCP y primeros auxilios (proporcionado por Lewis)
  • Cumplimiento de todas las leyes aplicables

Demandas fรญsicas

Capacidad para las siguientes actividades:

  • Levantar 50 libras hasta la altura de los hombros.
  • Empujar o tirar un mรญnimo de 50 libras.
  • Caminar hasta una milla por terrenos irregulares.
  • Subir y bajar del equipo.
  • Soportar condiciones climรกticas extremas.
  • Escuchar, hablar, ver y comunicarse de manera efectiva.
  • Operar herramientas y equipos con las dos manos.

De forma continua: operar maquinaria, manipular/agarrar, movimientos repetitivos
Con frecuencia: estar sentado
En ocasiones: levantar/transportar, empujar/tirar, conducir, trepar, detenerse/arrodillarse, estirarse, caminar, estar de pie
Nunca: subir/bajar de รกrboles, espacios confinados

Condiciones ambientales

De forma continua: trabajo en el exterior
Con frecuencia: temperaturas extremas
En ocasiones: niveles de ruido
Rara vez: materiales peligrosos, problemas de calidad del aire
Nunca: espacios confinados

Comentarios: Las condiciones varรญan por regiรณn. EPP requerido por las normas de la Administraciรณn de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (OSHA) y el Instituto Nacional Estadounidense de Estรกndares (ANSI).

Herramientas y equipos

Los equipos pueden incluir lo siguiente:

  • Camiones con plataforma aรฉrea, camiones volquete, vehรญculos todo terreno
  • Motosierras, sierras de pรฉrtiga, sierras de mano, astilladoras
  • Sopladores, podadoras, rastrillos, cabrestantes, cuerdas