ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grapple Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Alamo Group

Installer A

Lake Wales, FL · On-site

Petersen Industries LLC located in Lake Wales, Florida is looking for a CNC Operator. Petersen ... Install and integrate complex equipment systems including grapple loaders, knuckle boom cranes ...

Alamo Group

Welder

Lake Wales, FL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

... assembly of grapple trucks, grapple loaders, and knuckle boom loaders. This role performs ... Frequent use of hands for gripping, holding, and operating welding equipment and tools. * Ability ...

CERES

Operator Grinder

Sarasota, FL

$19 - $28/hr

Chippers can be equipped with additional features/attachments, such as a loading boom & grapple, debarker, chip screens, or chip conveyor. Duties & Responsibilities: * The operator safely controls ...

BrightView

Grapple/Knuckleboom Driver

Sanford, FL · On-site

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the following categories of equipment: Large wheel loaders, mid-size articulated wheel loaders, skip loaders, towing tractors, on ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad ... grapple trucks, tampers, stabilizers, tripp machines, spike pullers, spikers, and other railroad ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad ... grapple trucks, tampers, stabilizers, tripp machines, spike pullers, spikers, and other railroad ...

Suddath Van Lines, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a forklift or other powered ... fork grapple, clamps, elevating platform, or trailer hitch or motorized pallet rider. Unload ...

NXTPoint Logistics

Equipment Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a forklift or other powered ... grapple, clamps, elevating platform, or trailer hitchor motorized pallet rider. Unload inbound ...

Suddath Companies

Equipment Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a forklift or other powered ... grapple, clamps, elevating platform, or trailer hitchor motorized pallet rider. Unload inbound ...

Continuum Services

Class A CDL Driver

Winter Haven, FL · On-site

This role is primarily focused on driving and equipment transport, with a strong emphasis on operating a grapple truck to haul materials between job sites. This is a great opportunity for someone who ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGrapple Operator JobsGrapple Operator Jobs in Florida

Grapple Operator information

See Florida salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do grapple operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 are popular job titles related to Grapple Operator jobs in Florida?

For Grapple Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Grapple Operator jobs near you
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.

Installer A

Alamo Group

Lake Wales, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Petersen Industries LLC located in Lake Wales, Florida is looking for a CNC Operator. Petersen Industries LLC offers competitive compensation and a variety of benefits including Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, 401k Retirement Plan and Paid Time Off
The Installer is a high-level installation technician responsible for assembling, installing, troubleshooting, and validating complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems used in grapple trucks, grapple loaders, and knuckle boom loader equipment. This role performs advanced installations, interprets engineering drawings, and ensures equipment is installed to meet engineering specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements. The Installer may provide technical guidance to junior installers and assist supervisors in coordinating installation activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Install and integrate complex equipment systems including grapple loaders, knuckle boom cranes, outriggers, and hydraulic lifting systems onto commercial truck chassis.
  • Perform advanced installation of structural components such as subframes, reinforcement members, mounts, and custom brackets.
  • Install, route, and connect hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, cylinders, hose assemblies, and hydraulic reservoirs.
  • Install electrical wiring, sensors, control panels, and safety systems associated with equipment operation.
  • Interpret and work from complex engineering drawings, hydraulic schematics, wiring diagrams, and build documentation.
  • Perform layout work, drilling, cutting, grinding, fitting, and mechanical assembly of components.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical installation issues.
  • Conduct functional testing and verification of installed equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Identify and resolve installation or fitment issues in coordination with engineering and quality teams.
  • Assist supervisors with workflow coordination, task prioritization, and quality checks.
  • Ensure compliance with company safety standards and applicable OSHA requirements.
  • Maintain accurate build documentation and quality checklists.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives within the installation process.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment assembly, truck equipment installation, crane installation, or similar mechanical installation environment.
  • Advanced knowledge of hydraulic systems and mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, hydraulic schematics, and electrical diagrams.
  • Proficiency using hand tools, power tools, torque tools, and measurement instruments.
  • Strong mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist in training or mentoring junior technicians.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience installing grapple loaders, knuckle boom cranes, refuse equipment, forestry equipment, or truck-mounted material handlers.
  • Experience working with commercial truck chassis (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, International, etc.).
  • Welding or fabrication experience.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic load testing and equipment commissioning.
  • Familiarity with truck electrical systems (12V / 24V).

Physical Requirements
  • Frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8-10 hours per shift).
  • Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and climbing.
  • Ability to work on ladders, elevated platforms, and truck frames.
  • Manual dexterity to operate tools, install fasteners, and perform precision adjustments.
  • Ability to reach overhead and work in confined areas on equipment.
  • Visual ability (corrected if necessary) to read detailed drawings and perform inspections.

Work Environment
  • Work performed in a manufacturing and heavy equipment installation facility.
  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts, hydraulic systems, heavy machinery, and powered industrial vehicles.
  • Regular exposure to noise, vibration, metal dust, grease, and shop conditions.
  • Work may involve indoor and outdoor environments depending on production activities.
  • Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toe boots, and other protective equipment as required.

Certifications and Licenses
Required (or required within a defined training period)
  • Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA compliant)
  • Overhead Crane Operator Training
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training
  • Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training

Preferred Certifications
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - for moving vehicles within yard or facility
  • Welding Certification (AWS or equivalent)
  • Hydraulic Systems Training or Certification
  • First Aid / CPR Certification
  • Rigging and Hoisting Certification

Apply