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Forestry Equipment Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Roland Machinery Co

Student Technician

Portage, IN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... forestry equipment; expanding across 5 states and 17 locations. Roland is an Equal Opportunity ... while operating a company vehicle * Large Diesel Engine repair and servicing * Construction ...

Forest River

Fiberglass Chopper Operator

Elkhart, IN · On-site

Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational Vehicles, Cargo Trailers ... Equipment maintenance expected from cleaning chop guns, clearing clogs and performing routine ...

Pratt Industries

Bander Operator - 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operating the bander and corresponding equipment, including the ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Pratt Industries

Bander Operator - 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operating the bander and corresponding equipment, including the ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Pratt Industries

Stacker Operator 3rd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment. Comply with all company policies and procedures ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Pratt Industries

Stacker Operator 3rd Shift

Valparaiso, IN

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment. Comply with all company policies and procedures ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Pratt Industries

153 Stacker Operator 1st Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment. Comply with all company policies and procedures ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

New

Pratt Industries

153 Stacker Operator 1st Shift

Valparaiso, IN

$17.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment. Comply with all company policies and procedures ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

New

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires attention to safety, housekeeping, and equipment upkeep while supporting ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Pratt Industries

Baler Operator 3rd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires attention to safety, housekeeping, and equipment upkeep while supporting ... Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by "harvesting the urban forest ...

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator

Greenfield, IN

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Maintains equipment at the wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations. * Operates and ...

New

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All JobsForestry Equipment Operator JobsForestry Equipment Operator Jobs in Indiana

Forestry Equipment Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$27.6K

$39.5K

$50.9K

How much do forestry equipment operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry equipment operator in Indiana is $39,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,800.00 and $44,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forestry equipment operator?

A Forestry Equipment Operator is responsible for using and maintaining machinery to harvest, transport, and process trees in forests or logging sites. They operate equipment such as skidders, feller bunchers, loaders, and harvesters to cut down trees safely and efficiently. Their job also includes inspecting and maintaining equipment, following safety regulations, and ensuring minimal environmental impact. Operators typically work outdoors in various weather conditions and must have strong mechanical skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forestry equipment operator?

To thrive as a Forestry Equipment Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery such as harvesters, skidders, and loaders, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Occupational safety certifications, knowledge of forestry-specific equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible timber harvesting operations and seamless coordination with logging crews.

What challenges does a forestry equipment operator face on the job?

Forestry Equipment Operators often work in rugged, remote environments where weather and terrain can make machinery operation challenging. Navigating uneven or slippery ground, maintaining equipment in the field, and adhering to strict safety protocols require adaptability and vigilance. Operators must also coordinate closely with other crew members to ensure the safe and efficient removal of timber. Staying focused in physically demanding conditions and responding quickly to unexpected obstacles are essential for maintaining productivity and minimizing risks in this role.

How to become a forestry equipment operator?

To become a forestry equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in operating heavy machinery such as chainsaws, skidders, or harvesters. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications, like OSHA safety training, can improve job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Forestry Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana?

For Forestry Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forestry Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Forestry Equipment Operator jobs in Indiana are:

Forestry Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forestry Equipment Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,532 per year, or $19 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator II - Arborist

The City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN

$28.11/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 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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