Heavy Equipment Operator (Watershed)

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 42,536 - 68,494; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government in Georgia seeks an experienced heavy equipment operator to support road and utility projects. The role involves operating excavators, loaders, graders and other machinery with precision on County facilities and rights‑of‑way.

The position requires a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class A/B may be required), the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Blue Card, and at least three years of heavy equipment experience. High school diploma or GED is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred; three years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Valid Georgia driver's license; CDL Class A or B may be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Blue Card.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavator, track hoe, backhoe and loaders for public works projects.
• Perform safety checks, routine maintenance and daily equipment readiness.
• Drive on-site and occasionally on public roads, following safety guidelines.
• Inspect and prepare equipment for operation and secure vehicles after use.
• Monitor work area for safety and coordinate with supervisor and crew.
• Document work orders, time cards and maintenance reports.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Equipment safety

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Vacancies in Watershed

Grade: 12 Salary Range: $20.45 - $32.93/hour depending on experience FLSA: Non-Exempt

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to operate track or rubber-tired construction equipment with specialized functions related to maintenance, construction, and operational activities where the operation of complex mechanisms requires the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse, and where work is performed to exacting tolerances.

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions

Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of County roads, grounds, property, utilities, right-of-ways, and other infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven and operated on-site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; and monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.

Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe to perform skilled digging and trenching for maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects for public utilities and other infrastructure, where exacting tolerances and specification are required; and controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.

Operates a track or rubber‑tired loader with large volume and weight capacities to load materials into trucks or move them over short distances; positions equipment and controls height, angle, and position of scoop for optimum delivery of payload; and controls amount and weight of materials being lifted to avoid exceeding equipment capacity. Operates and maintains diesel powered E‑Z‑Pack hydraulic unloading mechanisms.

Operates motor‑grader, scraper, and excavator with blade attachment to set gradients for large construction and maintenance projects such as roads, landscaping, embankments, and other projects requiring exacting specifications related to slope, angle, and pitch; determines appropriate settings and adjusts blades for height, angle, and pitch to achieve desired outcome; and maneuvers equipment and operates mechanisms to skillfully set gradient, smooth surfaces, and spread materials.

Operates grappler, bulldozer, scraper, compactor, and off‑road trucks to move earth, gravel, sand, and other materials for large construction and maintenance projects and landfill operations; and operates mechanisms to establish rough grades or to smooth and compact surfaces in preparation for pavement, construction, or other work.

Drives large tractor‑trailer rigs and low‑boys to transport solid waste between transfer stations and the landfill or to move construction equipment to and from job sites; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or unloading of equipment and materials; and secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load.

Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; and secures vehicle after use.

Transports, loads and unloads various materials and equipment used in projects.

Utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks/equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; and reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; and communicates via telephone and/or two‑way radio.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred; three years of experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment, two years of which must have been in the operation of off‑road equipment or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. May require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License depending on assignment.

• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a valid 12‑month DOT Medical Blue Card as a condition of employment for some departments.

Preferred Qualifications By Department

• Must be able to operate a mini excavator, large excavator, track loader, front end loader, and a backhoe efficiently.
• Must possess a valid Georgia Commercial Class A Driver’s License.