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Felling Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title Groundsperson

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... felling of trees - Safeguard colleagues and the public from hazards in and around the work area - Apply herbicides (with proper certification) to manage growth - Maintain clean, organized trucks and ...

Job Posting Title Top Trimmer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead tree felling, rigging, and clearance activities near energized lines (vegetation and debris removal). * Support and lead ground-level tree pruning and removal * Support and direct crews in the ...

Showing results 21-24

Felling information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$23

$48

How much do felling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for felling in Indiana is $23.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $27.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is felling?

Felling is the process of cutting down trees, typically as part of forestry or logging operations. It involves using tools like chainsaws or axes to sever a tree at its base, allowing it to fall safely to the ground. Felling requires careful planning to ensure worker safety and minimize damage to surrounding trees and the environment. The process also considers factors like tree lean, wind direction, and escape routes for the feller. Proper training and techniques are essential for efficient and safe felling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a feller?

To thrive as a Feller, you need strong knowledge of tree species, safe cutting techniques, and equipment operation, usually acquired through on-the-job training or forestry programs. Familiarity with chainsaws, felling wedges, personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to OSHA safety standards is essential. Physical stamina, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safety and efficiency on the job site. These skills and qualities are critical for minimizing risk, protecting team members, and achieving productivity in hazardous forestry environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in felling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in felling often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous environments, managing unpredictable tree falls, and operating heavy equipment safely. To address these, it's essential to follow strict safety protocols, wear appropriate protective gear, and participate in regular training sessions. Collaboration with experienced team members and clear communication during each felling operation also help minimize risks and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.

What is the difference between Felling vs Logging Worker?

AspectFellingLogging Worker
Primary RoleCutting down treesAssisting in tree cutting, transporting logs
Required CertificationsChainsaw safety, forestry certificationsChainsaw operation, safety training
Work EnvironmentForests, wooded areasForests, logging sites
Industry UsageCore task in forestrySupporting role in logging operations

Felling involves the direct act of cutting down trees, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Logging workers assist with various tasks in the logging process, including transporting and processing logs. While both roles operate in similar environments and require safety training, felling is focused on tree removal, whereas logging workers support the overall logging operation.

What are popular job titles related to Felling jobs in Indiana?

For Felling jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Felling job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,358 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist

The City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN

$28.11/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


City Of Elkhart (Indiana) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT
Buildings amp; Grounds
POSITION
Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist
DIVISION
Forestry
STATUS
Full-time
CATEGORY
Hourly, AFSCME
PG-8 ($28.11)
FLSA
Non-exempt
REPORTS TO
City Forester and/or Public Buildings amp; Grounds Department Head
DATE
2026
JOB SUMMARY
The overall purpose of this position is to assist in the removal, planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs and plants with specialized skills, experience and/or knowledge in the field of arboriculture.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • May supervise at work site.
  • Operates various forestry equipment including: aerial lift, front-end loader, wood chipper, stump grinder, chain saws, hand saws, pruners, pole pruners and saws, and other forestry related equipment.
  • Removes and trims trees and vegetation within the right-of-way.
  • Uses ropes and rigging equipment to remove and trim trees.
  • Transplants trees, shrubs and other plant material.
  • Operates equipment to maintain and transplant trees from City tree nursery.
  • Directs traffic at job site.
  • Loads dump trucks with logs, limbs, wood chips, mulch and debris at job site.
  • Must be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to remove fallen trees and limbs from street and property in emergency situations.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • May be assigned to plow snow.
  • Maintain equipment and tools.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by City Forester and/or Public Buildings amp; Grounds Department Head.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school education, GED or equivalent.
  • Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in arboriculture field or heavy equipment operations.
  • Knowledge of using proper pruning and felling techniques as related to urban forestry work.
  • Must be able to identify common trees and shrubs for inventory and work orders.
  • Commercial Driver’s License according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • International Society of Arboriculture Arborist’s Certification preferred.
  • Experience with high voltage electrical power lines preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to guide people and provide basic directions.
  • Ability to select and order materials, tools and other supplies.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions and practices used in the tree care industry.
  • Knowledge of high voltage electrical power lines.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS
  • Solve practical problems with a variety of variables and limited standardization.
  • Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • Ability to carry out detailed written and verbal instructions independently.
  • Good mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to operate aerial lift, front-end loader, skid steer loader, brush chipper, stump grinder, axe, chain saws, hand saws, pruners, pole pruners and saws and all other forestry related equipment.
  • Body agility is emphasized using feet, legs, hands, arms and body.
  • Maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling, the amount of and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary maintenance of body equilibrium.
  • Ability to work at heights in excess of 75 feet above the ground.
  • Exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently, lifting and moving objects up to and in excess of 200 pounds.
  • Above normal lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, grasping and upper body and back muscle exertion.
  • Vision requirements (with or without correction): clear vision at arm’s length and distances up to 100 feet and excellent depth perception and ability to observe up or down, to the right while eyes are fixed on a given point.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work outside year-round. Temperature extremes are: summer 95 + degrees and winter -10 degrees. There is exposure to dirt, dust, snow, rain, and noise, equipment movement and vibration, hazardous chemicals, and electrical shock.
DRUG TEST REQUIRED
The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, a post offer, pre-employment drug screen is required. Random drug testing may be conducted after employment.
POLICY STATEMENT
  • The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
  • This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and other duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
  • This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

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