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Bucket Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

First Choice Tree Service

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Tree Climber/ Bucket operator (Must be Licensed driver)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

As a Tree Climber / Bucket Operator, you will play a critical role in our daily field operations. You will be responsible for executing high-quality tree pruning, removal, and rigging operations ...

New

Trees, LLC

Bucket Operator CDL Required

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue. * Assists in training new employees. * Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, trucks, and other work equipment.

Asplundh

Bucket Operator CDL Required

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue. * Assists in training new employees. * Assumes responsibility for the inspection and proper working conditions of tools, trucks, and other work equipment.

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Bucket Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do bucket operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for bucket operator in Tennessee is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a Bucket Operator?

As a Bucket Operator, your daily tasks usually involve operating heavy equipment to move earth, sand, gravel, or other materials around a construction or mining site. You'll also be responsible for pre-operation machine inspections, routine equipment maintenance, and following site safety protocols. Cooperation with site supervisors, spotters, and other equipment operators is common to coordinate tasks and maintain smooth workflow. Staying attentive to ground conditions and changing site needs is crucial, as priorities may shift throughout the day. This role is physically demanding and requires good attention to detail to ensure material is moved accurately and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Bucket Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bucket Operator, you need strong equipment operation skills, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of construction or mining site safety, often supported by prior experience or on-the-job training. Familiarity with operating and maintaining heavy machinery—such as loaders, excavators, or skid steers—and holding relevant safety certifications (like OSHA or MSHA) is typically required. Excellent hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and teamwork are also important to work effectively in fast-paced, sometimes hazardous environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while minimizing workplace accidents and delays.

What is a Bucket Operator job?

A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift or bucket truck to access elevated work areas, typically in utility, tree care, or maintenance industries. They perform tasks such as trimming trees, repairing power lines, or installing infrastructure while following safety protocols. The role requires knowledge of equipment operation, worksite safety, and relevant regulations. Bucket Operators often work in various weather conditions and must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job.

What are popular job titles related to Bucket Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Bucket Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bucket Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Bucket Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
Bucket Operator jobs near you
Bucket Operator -Sweetwater TN

Bucket Operator -Sweetwater TN

Xylem Tree Experts

Sweetwater, TN • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Xylem Tree Experts rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 32 rated gardening and landscaping

Job description

The Bucket Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
  • Assist in preparing equipment and materials for each day's work at Foreperson's direction
  • Operate equipment as directed by Foreperson
  • Help maintain and repair equipment and tools used in operations
  • Assist other crew members in all aspects of daily activities and take a leadership role when required
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.
  • Track and report mileage to Foreperson
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Equipment Operators have no direct reports.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Prior heavy equipment operating experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma or education equivalent preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Must be knowledgeable about the daily maintenance and safe operations of all equipment used
  • Must possess physical strength and good balance to climb into and around mobile equipment
  • Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day
  • Must be able to work outdoors under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Must be able to hear verbal instructions from a distance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
  • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Must have good vision and be attentive
  • Must have and maintain a Driver's License if hired for a driving position; must have and maintain a CDL and DOT Medical Card to operate any truck over 26,000 lbs.
  • Must be able to write, read and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information
  • Must be able to maintain balance over uneven terrain
  • Must be able to communicate with others
  • Must have endurance necessary to perform duties throughout a standard eight or ten hour day
  • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

Work authorization requirements:
Must meet I-9 requirements.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.
Benefits Offered:
This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.
AI Usage Disclaimer:
As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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