Casella Construction is seeking a dedicated, Skilled Land Clearing Specialist to join our Land Clearing Team. This role plays a critical part in supporting our environmental stewardship and land‑development operations by performing advanced fieldwork in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. The Skilled Land Clearing Specialist contributes to a wide range of projects including Right‑of‑Way (ROW) maintenance, vegetation control, utility corridor preparation, environmental protection work, and large‑scale clearing operations for both public and private clients.

This position requires a motivated individual with strong technical abilities, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety and quality. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience in land clearing, tree identification, equipment operation, and herbicide application, along with the ability to work independently and as part of a high‑performing crew. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys physical, outdoor work, can adapt quickly to changing field conditions, and takes pride in maintaining high production and safety standards. At Casella Construction, you will be part of a team that values innovation, hard work, and continuous learning. You will also have opportunities to expand your skills through specialized training, certifications, and advancement within our growing Land Clearing division.

Responsibilities:

• Strict adherence to safety procedures, including wearing appropriate PPE, following site safety rules, and practicing proper hazard awareness.
• Collaborate effectively with the crew, follow instructions from experienced leaders, and help meet production goals.
• Assist fellow employees with tasks such as carrying equipment, land‑clearing tools, materials, and supplies.
• Operate and maintain hand tools and power tools including pruners, saws, chainsaws, pole saws, trimmers, chippers, side‑by‑sides, and trailering small equipment.
• Safely remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees; perform flat‑cutting on target trees and brushy areas.
• Demonstrate proper tree‑climbing techniques using ropes, harnesses, and climbing equipment.
• Identify and report potential hazards on the job site.
• Unload and distribute materials or supplies as directed by the supervisor or crew leader.
• Apply pesticides/herbicides and obtain required licensing.
• Perform project layout, including measuring Rights‑of‑Way (ROW), RTEs, wetlands, and other flagged areas.
• Understand basic tree anatomy, identify common tree species, and detect signs of disease or stress.
• Prepare tools and equipment for daily use.
• Manually clear woody debris, brush, and limbs.
• Direct traffic/pedestrians around work zones as needed.
• Complete daily paperwork accurately.
• Spot equipment safely, assisting with backing, loading, movement, and maintaining minimum approach distances.
• Clean job sites daily, dispose of trash, and store materials/equipment properly.
• Assist with equipment care and perform basic maintenance.
• Maintain a safe working environment at all times.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and perform tasks with little or no supervision.
• Commit to ongoing training (in‑person and online), obtaining certifications as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work in physically demanding environments and variable weather conditions.
• Training requirements, both in person and online, as needed or required

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license; able to obtain driver qualification screening.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience as a Land Clear Ground Specialist I (1–3 years) or equivalent experience.
• Ability to understand, retain, and follow directions.
• Ability to read maps, plans, and GPS/GIS applications.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments.
• Able to establish and maintain strong working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work weekends and/or nights when needed.
• Ability to travel out of town for short‑ or long‑term assignments.
• Proficiency in math and reading.
• Ability to participate in regulatory trainings.
• Tree biology/identification: able to identify species, anatomy, growth patterns, diseases, and pests.
• Climbing techniques: proficiency using ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear.
• Equipment operation: ability to inspect, operate, and maintain chainsaws, pruners, chippers, and related equipment.
• Customer service skills to interact with clients professionally.
• Basic computer skills including email, daily data entry in B2W, and customer‑based mobile applications.
• Ability to keep written daily reports and logs.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Flagger Training certification.
• Customer Safety Training including Spotter and Environmental Training.
• OSHA 10/30 (or ability to obtain within six months).
• Pesticide/herbicide ROW license or active pursuit of certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb inclines, and traverse difficult terrain while carrying 30 pounds for 5–10 miles per day.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally with assistance.
• Strong physical strength, balance, hand‑eye coordination, and stamina.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Attributes:

• Positive attitude and desire to learn.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic team environment.
• Flexibility as assignments change.
• Ability to listen, understand, and follow instructions.
• Preference for working outdoors.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong sense of urgency and bias toward action.
• Self‑motivated, takes initiative, and seeks improvement opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits:

Casella Construction offers competitive wages and a full benefits package to eligible employees that includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Voluntary Short- & Long-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Company Paid Life Insurance.
• Company Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off.
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Program with up-to 4% company match and immediate vesting.

Hourly Hiring Range: $24.00/hr. - $26.99/hr.

This range reflects the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting, considering current market conditions and industry benchmarks.

Final and individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.

About our Company:

Joseph Casella and John Casella II are the second generation of the Casella family, carrying on a legacy that was built on hard work, grit, determination, and most of all, innovation. Together with a team equally committed to exemplifying the highest industry standards, and reinventing systems to create effective solutions when old methods no longer serve new thinking, Casella Construction has evolved to become an industry-leading company in the field.

Our strength is in our team, who we continue to invest in and depend on to help expand critical areas of our business, including heavy highway construction, demolition, utility installation, environmental contracting, commercial site development, land management, aggregate, transportation, and fleet maintenance.

Casella Construction’s success is attributed to our employees’ love of the industry, our leadership’s drive to remain at the forefront of technology and environmental stewardship, and our collective ability to thrive in dynamic situations.