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Grapple Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Operating a Grapple/Knuckleboom Truck in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life. * Performing daily safety and maintenance check.

Operating a Grapple/Knuckleboom Truck in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life. * Performing daily safety and maintenance check.

Operate a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris ... Qualifications of Hydraulic Crane Operator * High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent ...

Operating a Grapple/Knuckleboom Truck in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life. * Performing daily safety and maintenance check.

Operating a Grapple/Knuckleboom Truck in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life. * Performing daily safety and maintenance check.

Operate a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris ... Qualifications of Hydraulic Crane Operator * High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent ...

Operate a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris ... Qualifications of Hydraulic Crane Operator * High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent ...

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient Operator of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris in preparation ...

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient Operator of a hydraulic grapple or magnetic crane to lift, sort, load or unload scrap metal and debris in preparation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Grapple Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do grapple operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for grapple operator in Florida is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grapple operator?

A Grapple Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery equipped with a grapple attachment to lift, move, and transport materials such as logs, scrap metal, or debris. They work in industries like logging, construction, and waste management, ensuring safe and efficient material handling. Operators must have strong spatial awareness, mechanical skills, and knowledge of safety regulations. Proper maintenance of equipment is also a key part of the job.

What are the typical work conditions and daily responsibilities for a grapple operator?

Grapple Operators often work outdoors in environments like construction sites, logging areas, or recycling facilities, where they are exposed to various weather conditions and must remain vigilant about safety. Daily tasks usually include operating grapple-equipped machinery to move or sort large materials, performing routine equipment inspections, and coordinating with other operators and site supervisors to ensure safe material handling. Operators frequently collaborate with teammates such as truck drivers and ground crew to optimize workflow and minimize downtime. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers variety and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in heavy equipment operation and site logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grapple operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grapple Operator, you need solid knowledge of heavy equipment operation, spatial awareness, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hydraulic grapple systems, equipment maintenance, and OSHA safety certifications is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork ensure smooth and safe job site operations. These capabilities help prevent accidents, maximize productivity, and maintain effective workflow within construction, logging, or recycling environments.

How much does a grapple operator make?

Grapple operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Wages depend on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated.

What job categories do people searching Grapple Operator jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Grapple Operator jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Grapple Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Grapple Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Grapple Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,864 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Equipment | Grapple Operator

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,049 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Equipment | Grapple Operator
Company: Davey Tree Surgery Co.
Locations: Orlando, FL, Orlando, FL, Orlando, FL, Orlando, FL
Additional Locations: Orlando, FL
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 227879
Position Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is pleased to offer a key opportunity in the field of Utility Line Clearance as an Equipment Operator.
Duties
Position involves operating Tractor & mobile equipment on utility right-of-way
Responsible for equipment and crew safety when removing trees on utility right-of-way
Assist in all job functions as a member of the crew
Qualifications
Prefer a minimum of two (2) years mobile equipment operating experience and training which provides the necessary operations skills, knowledge and abilities is required
Experience in Utility Line Clearance and Tree Removal is preferred
Experience with Excavators, Skid Steers, and hydrolic systems are a plus
Be capable of successfully passing a mobile equipment operations certification test
CDL Class B w/air brakes highly valuable
Additional Information
What We Offer: *
Paid time off and paid holidays
Opportunities for advancement
All job specific equipment and safety gear provided
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options
Group Health Plan
Employee referral bonus program
Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas
Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers
Scholarship Program for Children of Employees
Charitable matching gift program
*all listed benefits available to eligible employees
Pre-employment Drug Screen and Social Security verification required. The Davey Tree Expert Company and CLS are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Davey is Employee Owned. Military Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Visit Davey Website: WWW.DAVEY.COM Job Opportunities & Company Profile Information
Company Overview
Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation! Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchanging of ideas, community partnership, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services.
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom