Tree Service Groundsman — Ground Operations & Equipment Operator

Overview

Ken's Tree Service is hiring an experienced groundsman to join a small, tight-knit crew delivering tree care services to apartment communities, HOA properties, and commercial facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. This is not a revolving door operation — our crew works together daily, and the people on it matter.

We run organized job sites with modern equipment and defined processes. Every team member uses our mobile field platform to document work throughout the day — it takes 30 seconds, and it keeps the whole operation running smoothly. If you're someone who shows up, works hard, follows the system, and takes pride in doing things right, this is a crew worth being on.

We're growing. We're adding commercial contracts and expanding our capabilities. For the right person, this isn't just a groundsman job — it's a ground-floor opportunity to grow with a company that's investing in its people and its future.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform ground operations including cleanup, brush handling, and job site organization
• Operate chainsaws safely and effectively
• Operate ground equipment including compact loaders, chippers, and stump grinders
• Drive and maneuver trucks and trailers to and from job sites, including backing trailers
• Assist climbers and aerial operators with tree removal and pruning operations
• Set up and manage rigging as directed by the crew foreman
• Maintain equipment through daily inspections and proper handling
• Use our mobile field platform daily for job documentation and communication
• Ensure all work meets our quality standards at commercial and residential properties
• Communicate clearly with team members and on-site property managers

Requirements

• 1 years of verifiable experience in tree service ground operations
• Proficiency with chainsaw operation
• Valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record
• Comfortable driving trucks and trailers, including backing up trailers
• Comfortable using a smartphone for daily work documentation and apps
• Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and the ability to work independently when directed
• Physical capacity to perform demanding outdoor work in Florida's climate year-round
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Saturday availability when needed at overtime rates

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL (Class A or B) — a significant plus but not required
• Experience operating compact loaders (Avant, Dingo, or similar)
• Experience operating grapple trucks
• Familiarity with rigging fundamentals

What We Offer

• Competitive pay ($20–$23 per hour based on experience)
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Modern, well-maintained equipment
• Consistent full-time schedule (typically 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday–Friday)
• Professional work environment with defined systems and clear expectations
• Real opportunity for advancement as the company grows
• Year-round work serving commercial and residential clients

Schedule

Full-time, Monday–Friday with Saturday/overtime availability when needed

About Ken's Tree Service

Ken's Tree Service has been delivering professional tree care in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 30 years. We serve apartment communities, HOA properties, and commercial clients — not just residential one-offs. Our crew is small by design. Every person on the team matters, and the standard is high. We invest in modern equipment, technology-driven operations, and the kind of systems that let good people do their best work. If you want to be part of a company that's building something and values the people doing the building, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Safety equipment provided

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work Saturdays when needed at overtime rates?
• This position requires working outdoors in Florida's climate year-round, performing physically demanding work including lifting, dragging brush, and operating equipment for 6-8 hours daily. How would you describe your physical readiness for this type of work?
• Please describe your experience operating ground equipment such as chainsaws, compact loaders, and grapple trucks. Include how long you've used each type of equipment.
• Describe your experience driving trucks and trailers, including the size of vehicles you've operated and how frequently you've driven them.
• Are you comfortable backing up a trailer? Please describe your experience with this.
• This position requires using a smartphone daily for job documentation, communication, and basic applications. Please describe your comfort level with using technology and smartphones for work purposes.

Experience:

• Tree service: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Florida driver's license (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25