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Grapple Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Michael's Tree and Loader Service

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Grapple Boom Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Grapple Boom Operator ( Sign On Bonus ) Competitive Pay | Great Team Atmosphere | Full-Time | Training Provided We are looking for a dependable and experienced Grapple Boom Operator to join our team.

G&W

Grapple Truck Operator - 100% travel

Batesville, AR · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

As a Grapple Truck Operator, you'll play an important role in supporting railroad maintenance and operations by safely operating specialized equipment, inspecting trailers, and ensuring equipment is ...

BrightView

Grapple Knuckleboom Operator

Orlando, FL · On-site

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.

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Grapple Operator information

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How much do grapple operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for grapple operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 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.
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Grapple Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grapple Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Grapple Boom Operator

Michael's Tree and Loader Service

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Join a Company Built on Excellence and Positioned for Growth

Michael's Tree & Loader Service (MTLS) is one of the nation's most respected providers of storm response, municipal tree care, vegetation management, and disaster recovery services. Following our recent recapitalization, we are expanding our industry-leading capabilities into residential tree care, commercial tree care, and Plant Health Care (PHC) services.


Grapple Boom Operator (Sign On Bonus)


Competitive Pay | Great Team Atmosphere | Full-Time | Training Provided


We are looking for a dependable and experienced Grapple Boom Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for safely operating a grapple/boom truck to load, move, and transport materials while supporting daily field operations.


What You'll Do

  • Safely operate grapple boom trucks and related equipment.
  • Load, unload, lift, and transport materials at various job sites.
  • Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
  • Properly position equipment for safe and efficient operations.
  • Work closely with ground crews and supervisors to complete projects safely and efficiently.
  • Follow ANSI Z133 safety standards and all company, OSHA, DOT, and job-site safety requirements.
  • Maintain equipment and report mechanical issues or needed repairs.
  • Keep trucks and work areas clean and organized.
  • Assist the team with additional field duties when needed.


What We're Looking For

  • Previous grapple truck, boom truck, or heavy equipment operating experience preferred.
  • Valid CDL Class A or B required.
  • Clean driving record.
  • Strong understanding of equipment safety and operation.
  • Reliable, safety-minded, and able to work independently.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Mechanical aptitude is a plus.


Why Work With Us?

  • Competitive pay
  • Great team atmosphere
  • Consistent work
  • Opportunities to grow
  • Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, etc.
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Weekly Safety Training Provided
  • Quarterly Bonuses


If you're an experienced operator who takes pride in your work and wants to be part of a great team, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and join our team.

Company Description

Michael’s Tree & Loader Service has provided professional tree services throughout Memphis, TN, and St. Louis, MO. We work with homeowners, businesses, contractors, municipalities, and property managers, delivering tree removal, tree trimming, plant health care, stump grinding, land clearing, storm cleanup, debris hauling, mulch, and disaster recovery services.

We built our reputation doing the hardest work in the industry: storm response, disaster recovery, and large-scale clearing. That work taught us what safe practices, reliable equipment, and honest service really mean, and those lessons still guide everything we do. As we’ve grown, we’ve brought that same capability to complete tree care and plant health care, helping customers keep trees healthy long before they become hazards.

Every project begins with an honest evaluation. Our arborists assess your trees and your property, explain what they find in plain language, and recommend what your trees actually need, whether that’s preventative care, pruning, or removal when it’s truly necessary. Our crews then build a work plan around the safest, most efficient approach for the job.

For more than two decades, we’ve built long-term relationships on reliable service, clear communication, and consistent results. Trees do best with ongoing care, and we’re proud that so many customers who first called us for a storm cleanup or a removal now trust us to care for everything still standing.

Contact us today for a free evaluation and customized trimming plan for your property.