Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor (BHI)

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College; United States; On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor to deliver theory, labs, and field training in the Heavy Equipment Operator Program. The role emphasizes safe operation of excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and other heavy equipment while aligning with approved curriculum standards.

The instructor will develop lesson plans, assess student performance, maintain records, and mentor students on career pathways.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of verifiable heavy equipment operation experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety procedures and preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in the Heavy Equipment Operator Program with classroom theory, labs, and field operations.
• Teach safe operation, maintenance and basic troubleshooting of heavy equipment (excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes).
• Develop and maintain lesson plans, materials, assessments, and syllabi per curriculum standards.
• Evaluate student performance and maintain accurate academic records and timely grades.
• Enforce OSHA regulations and industry best practices at all times.
• Maintain training equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Participate in curriculum development and program improvement initiatives.
• Advise and mentor students on academic progress and career pathways.
• Demonstrate equipment operation clearly and safely and communicate effectively.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners.
• Utilize basic computer skills and learning management systems.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NCCER Instructor Training

Tools

Background in technical education

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! We are the force that drives Georgia! Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens! Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor (BHI)

Agency: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Job Requisition ID: JR0000003343

Shift: Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details: $57,000/YR

Job Description

Provide effective instruction in the Heavy Equipment Operator Program, including classroom theory, hands‑on laboratory activities, and field operations. Teach safe operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, and other related machinery. Develop, prepare, and maintain lesson plans, instructional materials, assessments, and syllabi in accordance with approved curriculum standards. Evaluate student performance, maintain accurate academic records, and submit grades and documentation in a timely manner. Emphasize and enforce safety practices, OSHA regulations, and industry best practices at all times. Maintain training equipment, tools, and facilities in safe and operable condition; report maintenance needs as required. Participate in curriculum development, program review, and continuous improvement initiatives. Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, career pathways, and employability skills. Strong technical knowledge of heavy equipment operation and job‑site safety. Effective communication and instructional skills, both oral and written. Ability to demonstrate equipment operation clearly and safely. Organizational skills with attention to detail and documentation. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners. Basic computer skills and willingness to use learning management systems and educational technology.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College seeks to recruit, hire, and retain faculty and staff who display a willingness to support students of underrepresented gender and minority groups, as well as students with disabilities. All employees of the college are required to participate fully in the realization of equity in recruitment, enrollment, retention, graduation, and placement of students enrolled or who seek to become enrolled in programs at the college, with a special emphasis on nontraditional program participants.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform the duties of this position successfully, the incumbent must have the appropriate work experience, hold the appropriate certification and credentials, and be able to perform each key position duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please contact [e-mail] to request accommodations.

SUMMARY OF WORKING CONDITIONS

• Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, Various types of advanced in‑field equipment as required by academic program and accreditation standards, Various types of heavy equipment and maintenance/repair tools.
• Working Conditions: Category III - No foreseen exposure to hazardous chemicals/pathogens. Probability of working beyond the normal shift, but not frequently. Travel is rarely required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Documented, verifiable experience (three (3) years experience) in heavy equipment operation within the construction, earthmoving, or related industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of heavy equipment operation, safety procedures, and preventive maintenance.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior teaching, training, or instructional experience in a technical, industrial, or workforce education setting.
• Industry‑recognized credentials (e.g., NCCER, OSHA 10/30, equipment manufacturer certifications).
• Experience working with adult learners and diverse student populations.
• Familiarity with competency‑based education and hands‑on training methodologies.

SALARY/BENEFITS

Salary is $57,000/yr. This position is full‑time and includes standard State of GA benefits such as leave accrual, options for health & other supplemental benefits, and retirement. This position may qualify the successful candidate for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This position is funded in whole or in part by State/Local/Tuition funds.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

Pursuant to college policy, a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history records check and employment history reference checks will be performed for all candidates offered employment. Other checks such as Motor Vehicle Records may be conducted for any candidate receiving an offer, as well as internal candidates prior to being promoted or transferred into a position with the college.

Other Required Tests

Other Required Tests: The successful candidate must undergo a physical examination and be certified by the examining physician as meeting the requirements for service. Ability to obtain required instructional certification(s) as mandated by the Technical College System of Georgia within a specified timeframe once hired: NCCER Instructor Training so they can certify their students: https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/heavy-equipment-operations/. Should a candidate be chosen for a 2nd interview, references which support prior work history and employment experience will be contacted. Please note that some employers charge a processing fee to complete employment verifications. If a former employer requires payment to complete employment verification forms, this fee must be paid by the candidate. For positions requiring official transcripts, the candidate will be responsible for ordering and payment for these transcripts. Wiregrass is responsible for payments for criminal history searches, MVR searches, credit checks, and other items listed in the required tests portion above.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

As set forth in its student catalog, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Any violation or questions may be directed to: Shalonda Sanders, Title IX Coordinator (all campuses), Vice President for Human Resources and Operations, Valdosta Campus, Cox Hall, Room Rm. 548, (229) 333‑5356 or [e-mail]; OR Katrina Royal, Student ADA Section 504 Coordinator (all campuses), Dean for Student Engagement, Valdosta Campus, Berrien Hall, Room 100, (229) 333‑2100 ext. 1236 or [e-mail] *student ADA student disability claims only. Telephone numbers are accessible to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing through the Georgia Relay by dialing 711 or 1‑800‑255‑0056 from a TTY/TDD.

Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's 10 million citizens. With nearly 62,000 employees, we are one of the single largest employer in the state. Public service opportunities stretch across the state as employees live and work in all 159 counties. From traditional fields such as accounting, nursing, and engineering to unique fields like forestry and natural resources management, Georgia state government provides a world of opportunity.