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Wood Chipper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Groundperson - NON-UNION

Goshen, IN · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Drag, gather, and feed brush into wood chipper. * Services vehicles and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Minimum Qualifications: * Must be 18 years-of-age ...

Groundperson - NON-UNION

Angola, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Drag, gather, and feed brush into wood chipper. * Services vehicles and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Minimum Qualifications: * Must be 18 years-of-age ...

Groundperson - NON-UNION

Angola, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Drag, gather, and feed brush into wood chipper. * Services vehicles and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Minimum Qualifications: * Must be 18 years-of-age ...

Groundperson - NON-UNION

Spencer, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Drag, gather, and feed brush into wood chipper. * Services vehicles and equipment, maintaining them in neat, clean, and specified mechanical order. Minimum Qualifications: * Must be 18 years-of-age ...

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Wood Chipper information

What is a wood chipper?

Wood chippers are machines designed to reduce wood, such as tree branches, trunks, and limbs, into smaller wood chips or mulch. They are commonly used in landscaping, forestry, and by municipal workers to manage and dispose of organic debris. Wood chippers work by feeding wood into a chute, where powerful blades or hammers cut and shred the material. The resulting chips can be used for mulching, composting, or as biomass fuel. Proper safety precautions are essential when operating wood chippers due to their powerful cutting mechanisms.

What are some common safety challenges faced by wood chippers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Wood Chippers often work with heavy machinery and sharp tools, so safety is a top priority in this role. Common challenges include the risk of injury from moving parts, flying debris, and noise exposure. To address these risks, workers typically follow strict safety protocols such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like helmets, gloves, ear protection, and safety glasses. Regular safety training, machine maintenance, and adherence to operational procedures also help ensure a safe work environment. Many employers foster a safety-first culture by encouraging team communication and reporting of hazards.

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

To thrive as a Wood Chipper, you need a solid understanding of forestry operations, physical stamina, and experience handling heavy machinery, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial wood chippers, chainsaws, and protective safety equipment is typically required, and OSHA safety certification is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring safety and efficiency on the job. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain safe work environments, prevent injuries, and achieve productivity in physically demanding outdoor settings.

What is the difference between Wood Chipper vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectWood ChipperTree Trimmer
Required CredentialsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsArborist certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentForestry sites, construction areas, land clearingUrban and suburban trees, parks, residential areas
Employer & IndustryLandscaping, forestry, constructionArboriculture, landscaping, municipal services

While both roles involve working with trees and wood, a Wood Chipper primarily operates machinery to process wood debris, whereas a Tree Trimmer focuses on pruning and maintaining trees. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

Do you need training to use a wood chipper?

Yes, training is recommended for operating a wood chipper to ensure safe and proper use, as it involves handling heavy equipment and potentially hazardous materials. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and certification courses are available to improve safety skills and compliance with safety standards.

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Wood Chipper jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Wood Chipper job openings:

Infographic showing various Wood Chipper job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Apprentice - Trimmer/Climber Trainee - NTS

Nelson Tree Service, LLC

Leo, IN

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Apprentice - Trimmer/Climber Trainee

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:
  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Uses a chainsaw to cut brush, logs, and stumps of larger trees.
  • Gathers and feeds brush into a wood chipper.
  • Responsible for temporary traffic control and equipment (cones, signs and flagging).
  • Ensures the safety of self and others by following company safety policies
  • Adheres to Region Policy Manual
  • Applies herbicide to right-of-way, following brush removal to treat remote areas.
  • Services/maintains neat, clean, and mechanical order of truck, chipper, and other equipment.
  • Responsible for daily inventory on truck.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Able to work scheduled work hours.
  • Can obtain:
    • written CDL permit within 4 weeks of hire date;
    • Valid CDL within 120 days of hire date;
    • Herbicide license within 120 days of hire date.
  • Must be able to work long hours and overtime during emergencies, including holidays and weekends.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Entry-level position, no experience required.
  • Previous experience is a plus.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Valid DOT Medical Card required.
Travel Requirements:
  • Required to report and/or travel for storm emergencies.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading,
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, Lifting up to 50 lbs., Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, Lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Reading, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing Distant, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing Poles
Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

  • Exposed to various vehicle traffic situations on work sites.
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Work in all temperatures and weather.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, chain saws, wood chipper, with hearing protection.
  • May be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects, reptiles, and dust.
  • May be exposed to dogs and other animals.
  • Work may be performed on unlevel ground.
  • Work around falling limbs.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.