| Location | Athens, GA |
Heavy Equipment Operator I or II / Public Utilities
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Water and Sewer - 1000 Alexander Street, Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-1107
Department
Public Utilities
Division
Sewer Collection
Opening Date
09/22/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
Eligible newly hired candidates hired into a position requiring a CDL will receive an incremental hiring incentive upon satisfactory job performance after completion of 3, 6, and 12 months of service. Valid Driver's License: $1,500 one time hiring incentive to be paid in $500 increments (not added to base salary). This is a one-time incentive, and you will not be eligible for an additional incentive when you obtain your required CDL license. Class A or Class B CDL: $3,000 one time hiring incentive to be paid in $1,000 increments (not added to base salary). Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to available funding and approval by the Manager.
REPORTS TO: Construction and Maintenance Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: Operator I - 111 ($40,721); Operator II - 112 ($42,757)
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - CDL; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job Heavy Equipment Operator I - 111 ($40,721)
The purpose of this job is to operate equipment and perform manual work functions associated with construction and maintenance of water/sewer service lines. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, operating/maintaining equipment; transporting materials and equipment; performing laboring activities; installing, repairing, and maintaining water/sewer mains, lines and associated functions; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Purpose of Job Job Heavy Equipment Operator II - 112 ($42,757)
The purpose of this job is to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with construction and maintenance of water/sewer distribution and collection systems. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: operating/maintaining heavy equipment; transporting materials and equipment; performing labor activities; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday, 6:30 am - 5:00 pm (10 Hour Shifts). Subject to call back 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. On call every 6th weekend.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCs safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Heavy Equipment Operator I and II
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Department of Transportation Flagging certification within six months of employment.
Must possess a valid drivers license.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Commercial Drivers License within six months of employment.
One year of experience involving construction, equipment operation, and maintenance labor (or related) preferred.
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Two years of construction, heavy equipment operation, maintenance labor, or related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Ability to operate Caterpillar, John Deere, and Case Backhoe preferred.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Heavy Equipment Operator I
Operates a dump truck to haul supplies and equipment.
Operates equipment such as tractors, backhoes, boring machine, small trucks, jackhammer, gas-powered saws, etc.
Transports equipment, supplies and materials, including sand, gravel, rock, supplies, etc.
Assists in the installation and maintenance of water and sewer mains, fire hydrants, service lines connections, and AMI water meters to include large meters and concrete vaults.
Assists in setting up GPS units to record GPS data.
Performs water and sewer taps.
Performs laboring activities such as shoveling at job sites to set proper grade, pouring concrete, etc.
Inspects vehicles on a daily basis; assures proper levels of air pressure, gasoline, oil, and other fluids are maintained; washes vehicles.
Maintains tools and equipment.
Installs cautionary signage at job sites.
Flags traffic around work sites.
Responds to emergency and stand-by calls on a 24 hour basis.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents; processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Operates equipment such as a backhoe, track-hoe, front-end loader, and bulldozer used in making water and sewer line taps and repairs.
Operates equipment such as a tractor, bushhog, tree cutter, chain saw, harrow, seeder, and tandem dump truck used in right-of-way cleaning and maintenance.
Operates a tandem dump truck to haul materials.
Operates a small truck, winch truck, earth boring machine, trencher and sanitary sewer rodding machine.
Operates equipment used to install water and sewer mains.
Responds to emergency and stand-by calls on a 24-hour daily basis.
Operates tools such as a pipe threader, jackhammer, and other tools used in making water and sewer line taps and repairs; operates various gas- and electric-powered tools.
Operates tamp to compact dirt.
Performs general laboring activities related to water and sewer construction.
Performs water taps.
Assists in setting large meters and laying pipes.
Cleans and maintains equipment and buildings as required.
Responds to emergency service calls to repair water and sewer lines as required.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents; processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
May perform duties of supervisor in his/her absence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Heavy Equipment Operator I and II.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of policies and procedures pertaining to utility construction, improvements and maintenance, of traffic laws, and of other procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge and skill to operate various machinery and equipment including a dump truck, front-end loader, tractor, backhoe, boring machine, small truck, jackhammer, gas-powered saw, mechanic tools, power tools, etc.
Skill in setting grade and in using hand tools such as shovel, loop and rake.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a dump truck, front-end loader, tractor, backhoe, boring machine, small truck, jackhammer, gas-powered saw, mechanic tools, power tools, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. May be exposed to such elements as diseases, toxic chemicals, raw sewage, inclement weather and high pressure unregulated water flows. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of heavy work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of maps, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative or technical languages including mechanical/plumbing terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a dump truck, front-end loader, tractor, backhoe, boring machine, small truck, jackhammer, gas-powered saw, mechanic tools, power tools, etc.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using equipment.
Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated machinery and equipment, hand tools, mechanic tools, power tools, and pipe/fitting supplies. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
Wellness
Family and Career
Time
Money
Protection
To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
http://www.accgov.com/434/Benefits
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
http://www.accgov.com/index.aspx?nid=791
01
Which best describes your highest level of education?
02
How much experience do you have in construction, heavy equipment operation, or maintenance labor.
03
Do you possess a valid Drivers License?
04
What type of Drivers License do you possess?
05
You will be required to obtain a Georgia Commercial Drivers License (CDL) for this position within six months of hire. Please select one of the following regarding your CDL status.
06
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Department of Transportation Flagging certification within 6 months of employment?
07
Please confirm if you are able to use a computer or tablet to submit work, timesheets, and related documents? All employees are expected to demonstrate computer literacy.
08
Check all of the heavy equipment operation you have with the equipment below.
09
Were you referred to this agency by a current Athens Clarke County employee? If so please provide that employees name. If none type NA.
Required Question
Employer Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County
Address 375 Satula Avenue
Human Resources Department
Athens, Georgia, 30601
Phone 706-613-3090
Website http://www.accgov.com