Job Detail

GROUND PERSON, LEVEL 1 & 2

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Salary: $22.50 - $29.50/hour

Type: Full-Time

Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY

Hours:

• Monday - Friday typically 7:15am/7:30am-4pm

• Weekdays occasionally go past 4pm; overtime compensated

• Occasional Saturday work optional

 

Compensation Range: $22.50 - $29.50 hourly pay based on qualifications and experience

 

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive compensation

• Opportunities for training, certification, and advancement

• Supportive team environment

• Healthcare benefits

• Employer-match retirement program

• Paid time off for vacation and holidays

• Education and gear allowance

• Monthly stipend (for use toward cell phone bill, transportation, etc.)

 

About Us: ARBORPOLITAN is a full-service arboriculture firm specializing in tree services, garden maintenance, and holistic plant health care. We promote a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and continuous learning. Learn more about us at arborpolitan.com.

The Role: We’re looking to fill two open positions for the role of Ground Person Level 1 or 2. A crucial part of our field operations, Ground Persons handle all groundwork and operate a range of equipment, including chainsaws, stump grinders, and chippers. Often supporting our climbers, this role is all about teamwork, hands-on work, and helping our job sites run smoothly.

Ground Person Level 1 is perfect for those newer to the field, eager to learn, and ready to build on existing foundational skills, while Level 2 is ideal for experienced pros who can lead job sites, make pruning decisions, and tackle more advanced tasks.

You’ll need to be a consistent early bird, arriving on time for our daily kick-off meetings. From there, you’ll help drive our trucks and vans to and from job sites in Brooklyn and Manhattan, occasionally in Queens and the Bronx. No two days are alike; you’ll practice sound safety protocol with your crew as you adapt to challenges and solve problems together. At the end of the day, you’ll help wrap up any loose ends and reset our workspace, giving high fives for a job well done.

 

Responsibilities:

• Operate tree care equipment: chainsaws, chipper, and other tools

• Operate and park vehicles, including trucks with chipper attachment and vans

• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures

• Clear and process debris

• Maintain daily records

• Assist with cleanup at job sites and yard, maintain a tidy workspace

• Liaison with clients

• Communicate clearly with workers aloft

• Learn and assist arboriculture tasks and equipment use (Level 1)

• Support job site/work zone setup (Level 1)

• Lead job site setup, manage work zones (Level 2)

• Specialize in rigging and knot tying (Level 2)

• Make pruning decisions, specialize in tree biology (Level 2)

• Handle stump grinding (Level 2)

• Perform advanced equipment maintenance (Level 2)

 

Qualifications:

• 1-2+ years of experience in arboriculture, gardening, landscaping, or agriculture

• Ability to lift 40 lbs or more

• Ability to sustain full days of physically active labor outdoors in all weather conditions

• Valid driver’s license required; truck-driving experience in NYC a plus

• Previous ground crew experience

• Familiar with hand signals and common phrases for tree work

• Chipper safety knowledge

• Chainsaw handling and basic repair

• Equipment maintenance

• Knowledge of tree biology, pruning techniques, familiar with A300 standards

• Familiar with ANSI Z133.1 guidelines and PPE protocols for tree work, stump grinding, plant health care, and garden installation

• ISA certification or pest applicator certificate a plus

• First Aid and CPR training a plus

• Time management and punctuality

• Collaborative team player, clear communicator, proactive problem solver

• Desire to learn and advance in the field of arboriculture

If you're excited about this role but don't meet all the qualifications, we still encourage you to apply!

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and provide equal employment opportunities to all. All applicants will be considered based on merit and qualifications. We encourage applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in the field of arboriculture; including but not limited to BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Arborpolitan makes reasonable accommodations when requested for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in our application process or perform essential job duties, please reach out to sandy@arborpolitan.com or call 833-NYC-TREE ext. 0.

 

Hiring Process: We’re looking to fill one to two open positions for this role by October 7th or as soon as possible. Positions will remain open until filled. We conduct a phone interview, onsite interview, reference check, and paid trial day before a decision is made.

 

To Apply: Please email your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to sandy@arborpolitan.com with the subject line Ground Person.

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