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Jarraff Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jarraff Operator - Aiken, SC

Aiken, SC

$15 - $19.50/hr

The Jarraff Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Must have past experience operating a Jarraff for this position. ESSENTIAL ...

The Jarraff Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. Must have past experience operating a Jarraff for this position. ESSENTIAL ...

Jarraff Operator - Frederick, MD

Frederick, MD ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The Jarraff Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Always follow and help enforce safe practices and ...

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Jarraff Operator information

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$10

$20

$29

How much do jarraff operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for jarraff operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jarraff?

A Jarraff Operator is a worker who operates a tall, specialized machine called a Jarraff, used for trimming and removing trees in utility line clearance or forestry. The job requires operating the equipment safely at heights and often involves climbing or working from the machine's cab, with safety certifications typically required.

What is the purpose of a giraffe machine?

A Jarraff operator uses a giraffe machine, which is a type of tall, mobile forestry equipment, to safely and efficiently reach high branches and trees for trimming, pruning, or harvesting. The machine's extendable boom allows operators to access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining stability and safety in forestry or utility line clearance work.

How much does a jarraff weigh?

A Jarraff operator typically works with a tall, heavy piece of equipment called a Jarraff, which can weigh between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds. The operator's role involves controlling the machine to harvest and process trees in forestry environments, often requiring safety training and certification.

What are the most common challenges faced by Jarraff Operators on the job?

Jarraff Operators often encounter challenging terrain, inclement weather, and tight work areas, which require careful equipment handling and constant attention to safety. Navigating around power lines and in proximity to other utility workers can add complexity to daily tasks. Communication with ground crews is crucial to ensure coordinated, efficient, and safe operations. Overcoming these challenges effectively is key to maintaining productivity and meeting project deadlines.

How much does a jarraff cost?

A Jarraff operator's salary varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour. The role involves operating tall, specialized machinery used in forestry and utility work, often requiring safety certifications and physical stamina.

What is a Jarraff Operator job?

A Jarraff Operator operates a Jarraff tree trimmer, a specialized machine used for cutting and clearing trees along roads, utility lines, and other areas. The operator is responsible for maneuvering the equipment safely, maintaining proper cutting techniques, and ensuring efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. They must follow safety protocols, perform routine maintenance on the machine, and coordinate with work crews to complete tasks effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Jarraff Operator position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Jarraff Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience operating heavy equipment, often supported by a high school diploma and a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with the Jarraff tree trimmer, safety protocols, and GPS navigation systems is typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and teamwork skills help you work safely and efficiently with ground crews. These abilities are critical to safely and effectively clear vegetation near power lines and right-of-ways, minimizing risk and maintaining productivity.

What are the most commonly searched types of Jarraff Operator jobs? The most popular types of Jarraff Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Jarraff Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Jarraff Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Jarraff Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Jarraff Operator/Foreperson: Dallas, GA

Jarraff Operator/Foreperson: Dallas, GA

Kendall Vegetation Services

Dallas, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Jarraff Operator/Foreperson coordinates crew members, equipment, tools, and supplies in order to complete all jobs according to contract specifications. Must have a valid DL.
Essential Functions
  • Always follow and enforce safe practices and rules
  • Direct crew members and manage equipment each day
  • Assign specific tasks to crew members and supervise performance
  • Plan and execute the assigned work and tasks in a safe and professional manner
  • Organize job assignments so that work is completed as efficiently as possible
  • Notify private property owners of presence on property; obtain permission from property owners to trim or remove trees and/or apply herbicides; discuss issues such as obtaining access, power interruption, work to be done, etc. with customer and/or property owner
  • Ensure crew members wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe practices on the job
  • Trim and/or remove trees by climbing with the aid of a ladder, safety belt, climbing line, powered trimmer lift truck, or work from the ground using gasoline, air, and hand-powered saws, pruner, etc.; cuts branches or trunk sections and ropes or lowers them to the ground with lines
  • Spray stumps and brush with hand-spraying equipment to prevent further growth
  • Load and unload trucks with logs, stumps, brush, and debris and/or feeds brush into a powered chipper
  • Designate break and lunch time
  • Direct cleanup of the job site and make sure all equipment and supplies are secured on the truck
  • Inspect the work performed to job specifications then notify customer that work has been completed
  • Keep accurate records of time, equipment, and material used
  • Complete daily truck inspection; conduct job briefings as specified by federal law
  • Re-stock needed supplies on truck and perform routine maintenance on equipment or inform General Foreperson of damaged equipment and needed supplies
  • Determine action to take in emergency situations by eliminating hazards to life and property
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThe Jarraff Operator/Foreperson has no direct reports, but directs crew members to prepare equipment, tools, and supplies necessary for each day's work.
Experience RequirementsPrior experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred
Education Requirements
High School diploma or education equivalent preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Three (3) Years of Experience: as a Tree and Vegetation services Foreperson.
  • Three (3) Years of Experience: operating equipment such as Jarraff.
  • Three (3) Years of Experience: with Distribution Work powerlines.
  • Must be able to meet and demonstrate qualifications of all positions on a crew
  • Must be able to follow verbal or written directives
  • Must be able to delegate work and take accountability for the performance of a crew
  • Must be able to understand drawings and symbols representing lines, voltages, line equipment, etc.
  • Must be capable of adjusting to field requirements and taking independent action without close supervision
  • Must have and maintain a Driver's License and be able to safely drive a company vehicle
  • Must be able to work outdoors under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
  • Must have and maintain a Driver's License if hired for a driving position
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with others
  • Must have endurance necessary to perform duties throughout a standard eight or ten hour day
  • Must be able to operate and service all required tools and equipment
  • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or
responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or
be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.
Work authorization requirements:Must meet I-9 requirements.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement:Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Reasonable Accommodation StatementXKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.
Benefits Offered:This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.
AI Usage Disclaimer:As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.