Equipment Operator I, II, or III

Charleston County Government; South Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision and Life

Four-day workweek

Training and advancement opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Charleston County Government in South Carolina seeks qualified Equipment Operators to join our public works team. The role covers safe operation of light to heavy construction equipment, routine servicing, and supporting drainage and street projects, with opportunities for training and advancement.

Starting pay is based on experience, with hourly ranges advertised from $22.53 to $26.12. A valid SC Driver's License and CDL Class A within six months are required.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma (or GED).
• Must have valid SC Driver's License and clean driving record.
• CDL Class A within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate light, medium and heavy construction equipment safely.
• Perform routine servicing and preventative maintenance.
• Assist in repair of assigned equipment.

Skills

Valid SC Driver's License

CDL Class A (within 6 months)

Equipment operation basics

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

We are looking for qualified operators to join our team! We offer competitive salary, a great benefit package, four day workweek (rain or shine), and training and advancement opportunities! This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of light, medium, and/or heavy‑sized construction equipment to include routine servicing, preventative maintenance, and possible assistance in repair of assigned equipment. Tasks include but are not limited to maintenance and construction of Charleston County open and closed stormwater drainage systems, and street and sidewalks.

Starting salary is based upon experience and other job specific qualifications as well as demonstrated skill level.

HIRING HOURLYRANGE: $22.53 - $23.21

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $23.91 - $24.63

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $25.36 - $26.12

(Salary dependent upon applicant's experience, skill level, and other job specific qualifications)

Must have valid SC Driver's License and clean driving record. Must obtain a valid SC Commercial Driver's License CDL Class A within six (6) months of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires high school diploma (or GED) supplemented by a minimum one year to four years of work experience in the operation of medium, heavy, and complex construction equipment required for different operator position levels.

• Equipment Operator I – have some minor equipment operation experience and a good understanding of how machinery operates. Loader and farm tractor operators a plus. Self‑motivated and a strong desire to learn new equipment skills.
• Equipment Operator II – proficient on at least two of the following pieces of heavy equipment: backhoe, excavator, motorgrader, dozer, and able to operate the remaining pieces to include loader and farm tractor at an intermediate skill level. Self‑motivated and a strong desire to learn new equipment skills.
• Equipment Operator III – proficient on at least three of the following pieces of heavy equipment: backhoe, excavator, motorgrader, dozer, and able to operate the remaining pieces to include loader and farm tractor at an intermediate skill level. Ability to shoot grades, set grade hubs and reference stakes for construction/maintenance jobs, read civil design drawings, and lead a small team of co‑workers in the completion of job tasks. Self‑motivated, and a strong desire to learn new equipment skills.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.