Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator Sect V

Southern Company; Forest Park (GA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Company in Forest Park, GA is hiring an Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator under a union contract. The role focuses on safe operation of heavy cranes and equipment, with non-negotiable pay of $6716 monthly or $38.75 hourly.

Responsibilities include pre-op inspections, rigging, lift planning, coordinating with crews, and supporting emergency response. A valid CDL is required and the candidate must meet safety standards and DOT/OSHA compliance.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate equipment in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and operating procedures.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and emergency response assignments when needed.
• Working knowledge of load placement and load securement when loading, unloading and hauling various types of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction and industrial equipment, including hydraulic road cranes, friction cranes, all-terrain cranes with lifting capacities of 35 tons or greater, heavy-haul truck and trailer combinations, pullers, tensioners, winch-equipped tractors, and other specialized equipment as assigned.
• Safely set up, position, inspect, and operate heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications, site conditions, lift plans, and company procedures.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and ensure equipment is properly maintained, serviced, and operating within established safety limits; promptly report deficiencies and unsafe conditions.
• Perform lifting, excavation, hauling, and material-handling activities using approved rigging practices, load charts, lifting devices, and load-securement methods.
• Read and interpret job plans, construction drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accurate execution of assigned work.
• Coordinate with supervisors, crew leaders, spotters, contractors, and other personnel to safely execute work activities and transportation logistics.
• Participate in job safety briefings (JSBs), pre-task planning activities, and daily work coordination meetings.
• Support emergency restoration and storm response activities as required.

Skills

Equipment operation

Crane operation

Safety compliance

Team coordination

Load securement

Job description

Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Summary

The Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and skilled operation of heavy construction and industrial equipment in support of electric transmission, power generation, maintenance, and construction activities. This position requires operating with a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to perform lifting, hauling, and material-handling work in dynamic field environments. Operators are expected to comply with all company policies, OSHA regulations, and established work practices while supporting reliable project execution.

APPRENTICE HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Location:

• Forest Park, GA

PAY:

This role falls under a union contract and pay is non-negotiable: $6716 Monthly & $38.75 Hourly

Key Responsibilities

1. Operate heavy construction and industrial equipment, including hydraulic road cranes, friction cranes, all-terrain cranes with lifting capacities of 35 tons or greater, heavy-haul truck and trailer combinations, pullers, tensioners, winch-equipped tractors, and other specialized equipment as assigned.

2. Safely set up, position, inspect, and operate heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications, site conditions, lift plans, and company procedures.

3. Conduct pre-operational inspections and ensure equipment is properly maintained, serviced, and operating within established safety limits; promptly report deficiencies and unsafe conditions.

4. Perform lifting, excavation, hauling, and material-handling activities using approved rigging practices, load charts, lifting devices, and load-securement methods.

5. Read and interpret job plans, construction drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure accurate execution of assigned work.

6. Coordinate with supervisors, crew leaders, spotters, contractors, and other personnel to safely execute work activities and transportation logistics.

7. Participate in job safety briefings (JSBs), pre-task planning activities, and daily work coordination meetings.

8. Support emergency restoration and storm response activities as required.

Safety & Compliance Responsibilities

1. Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety rules, and established safe work practices.

2. Follow all Job Safety Briefing (JSB), Hazardous Energy Control, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and clearance procedures applicable to assigned work.

3. Properly wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).

4. Adhere to procedures governing excavations, trenching, confined spaces, material handling, mobile equipment, lifting operations, and work near energized equipment.

5. Participate in required training, annual proficiency assessments, qualification reviews, and corrective action programs as applicable.

6. Immediately identify, communicate, and mitigate workplace hazards to help maintain a safe work environment

Required Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate equipment in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.

• Ability to obtain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and operating procedures.

• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and emergency response assignments when needed.

• Working knowledge of load placement and load securement when loading, unloading and hauling various types of equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting electric utility transmission, generation, or construction operations.

• Crane operator certifications or other applicable heavy equipment qualifications.

• Knowledge of DOT transportation requirements related to oversized and overweight loads.

• Proficiency in backing a trailer

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.

• Effective verbal communication and teamwork skills.

• Sound judgment and situational awareness.

• Ability to recognize and mitigate job-site hazards.

• Reliability, accountability, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements

• Must have valid State of Georgia Motor Vehicle Driver's License

• Must currently possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A and a valid DOT medical card OR Class A CDL Learners Permit and a valid DOT medical card. Those with a CDL Learners Permit MUST obtain a Class A CDL within 6 months of hire date.

  Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeogiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities,