CDL Driver/Groundsperson

Commercial Driver (CDL) / Groundsperson

Location: San Jose
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $25 - $35, per hour + bonus eligible and benefits

About A Plus Tree

A Plus Tree is the premier tree care company serving communities throughout California and the Pacific Northwest — and we've been at it for over 20 years. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists brings deep technical expertise and a passion for trees to homeowners, businesses, and communities across the region. From large removals to advanced plant health care, we do it right and our proprietary tree management app means every tree we touch is tracked, monitored, and cared for at the individual level.

If you're looking to grow your career with a team that takes tree care seriously, A Plus Tree is the place.

The Role

The Commercial Driver/Groundsperson is a dual-role position at the heart of our field operations. You'll be responsible for safely operating company vehicles to and from job sites, while also working alongside the crew as a hands-on groundsperson. This role requires a valid Class A CDL, a clean driving record, and a genuine passion for tree care and safety. At A Plus Tree, safety is our number one priority — on the road and on the job site.

What You'll Do

Driving & Vehicle Operations:

• Operate Class A commercial vehicles including chip trucks, log trucks, flatbeds, and equipment trailers to and from job sites
• Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections in compliance with DOT regulations and company safety standards
• Service and maintain assigned trucks and equipment; keep vehicles clean and in orderly condition at all times
• Report any need for vehicle or equipment repairs to the crew leader immediately
• Ensure trucks and equipment are properly secured while on job sites
• Report all accidents, damage, or malfunctions to management immediately
• Operate all vehicles in a safe, courteous manner and in full accordance with company safety policy
• Complete all DOT requirements including driver logs and hours of service compliance

Ground Operations & Job Site Support:

• Work as an active groundsperson on job sites — assisting with tree removals, pruning, rigging, and debris disposal
• Unload, lay out, prepare, and stow materials, tools, and equipment at the work site
• Operate chippers, stump grinders, log movers, hand saws, pole saws, and chainsaws safely and as directed
• Safeguard employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area
• Maintain clear voice communication with workers aloft throughout job operations
• Perform breakdown and clean-up duties at the work site upon job completion
• Communicate with clients throughout the job using the job checklist; report any customer concerns or property damage to the supervisor immediately
• Participate in weekly safety meetings and daily job briefings
• Adhere to all industry and company safety standards, PPE requirements, and ANSI Z133 guidelines
• Follow daily work instructions efficiently and carry out verbal and written instructions accurately
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor

What You Bring

Required:

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake endorsement
• Minimum 3 years of consistent commercial driving experience
• Clean driving record — MVR will be verified; no major violations within the past 60 months
• Full DOT compliance — driver logs, HOS rules, and pre/post-trip inspections
• Ability to lift 75+ lbs. and perform physical labor as a groundsperson throughout the workday
• Strong communication skills — with crew, supervisors, and clients
• Reliable, punctual, and hardworking — a true team player
• Must be at least 21 years of age to operate company vehicles
• Availability for early start times, overtime, and occasional weekend work

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a CDL driver in tree care, landscaping, or construction
• Experience operating chippers, stump grinders, or log movers
• Familiarity with job site safety practices and traffic control
• High school diploma or GED
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Work Environment

• Outdoor and road-based work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain
• Ability to work near energized power lines, poisonous plants, and noxious vegetation
• Ability to work in environments where exposure to allergens such as pollen and ragweed, insects such as bees and spiders, and reptiles such as lizards and snakes
• Work near active utility lines, automotive traffic, mechanical equipment, noise, and airborne debris
• Work near active job sites with chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and ground crews
• Required PPE:  safety vest, hard hat, eye protection, gloves, ear plugs, etc.
• Willing to work weekends and overtime
• Open to travel assignments

What We Offer

• $20–$35/hr based on experience
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance | Paid sick leave | 401(k)
• Uniforms and PPE provided | Overtime opportunities | Bonus eligible | Employee Referral Bonus
• Ongoing training and career advancement with an industry leader

Applicants must be 21 or older to operate company vehicles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

A Plus Tree provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.