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Bucket Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Asplundh Tree Expert

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

Description Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift ...

Utilities Service Co Inc

Bucket Operator ATE

South Hill, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Description Bucket Operator CDL Required This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an ...

Asplundh Tree Expert

Bucket Operator ATE

South Hill, VA

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

Description Bucket Operator CDL Required This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an ...

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Bucket Operator ATE

South Hill, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Description Bucket Operator CDL Required This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an ...

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.93 - $23.61/hr

Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket ...

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket ...

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Bucket Operator information

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How much do bucket operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for bucket operator in Virginia is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.64 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 Virginia? For Bucket Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bucket Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Bucket Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Bucket Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bucket Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,944 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Bucket Operator Union

Bucket Operator Union

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC

Gordonsville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 13 days ago

Asplundh Tree Expert rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies

Job description

Description
Bucket Operator
This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket truck) to reach branches interfering with electric lines.
Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide full-service-utility contractor offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!
Since 1928, Asplundh has been dedicated to safe, efficient and innovative line clearance services to the utility industry. Reliable, uninterrupted power is an important service provided by the world's electrical utilities and Asplundh has the expertise to help keep the power flowing. Diversification over the years has opened up vegetation management services to other specialized markets such as municipalities, railroads, pipelines, helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation.
A family-owned and operated corporation headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Asplundh has grown to employ over 36,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt
Pay:Competitive, Hourly
Benefits:
  • Available Benefit options vary based on tenure, position, and work location.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on the property. Arranges with customer or property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains work to be done, etc.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective accomplishment of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • Cooperates with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and the public.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production and for following safe practices and rules while clearing and trimming trees and brush away from utility lines.
  • Operates and services equipment, such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, buckets, chippers, and sprayers.
  • Operates a Bucket near energized lines to remove branches and tree material.
  • Performs tree and bucket rescue.
  • Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners, etc.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Trains new personnel.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be familiar with the electrical hazard.
  • Possesses working knowledge and can identify tree and shrub species.
  • Work demands physical energy, twisting, some lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 1+ year of related industry experience required.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Driver's License Preferred, but not required.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading, Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, Lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing
Safety
Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.
  • Works in all temperatures and will be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects.
  • Works near energized parts or equipment.
  • Works in traffic.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, gas drills, and other equipment with proper hearing protection.
  • Exposed to hazards of working near power equipment, traffic, high voltage wires, and falling limbs.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.

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