Heavy Equipment Operator I (Water & Sewer)

Salary: $40,721.00 Annually
Location : Water and Sewer - 1000 Alexander Street, Athens, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-03514
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Sewer Collection
Opening Date: 08/05/2025
Closing Date: Continuous


Purpose & Job Related Requirements
***CDL Positions HIRING INCENTIVE***

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.
***This position is housed within the Water & Sewer Division of the Public Utilities Department***

REPORTS TO: Construction and Maintenance Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 111
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - CDL; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.


Purpose of Job
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.

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 ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions


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 driver's license.


Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Commercial Driver's License within six months of employment.


One year of experience involving construction, equipment operation, and maintenance labor (or related) 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.

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.


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.


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, View phone number on click.appcast.io or
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

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription drug plan

Wellness

• Onsite Employee Wellness Center - free for employees, spouse, and children 18+
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness education and incentive programs
• Annual Wellness Fair
• Annual employee appreciation events
• Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots)
• Safety & Risk training and job-related vaccinations

Family and Career

• Training and professional development opportunities through the Organizational Development Department
• Opportunities and Career Development via the Government Wide Learning Management System

Time

• Annual/Sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year

Money

• Robust Wellness Program - earn up to $175 per quarter for participation
• Health Savings Account for medical and dependent care
• Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service)
• 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Program with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer - Federal Student Aid
• Financial education programs
• Uniforms provided (if applicable)
• Discount Admissions - ACCGov Parks, Georgia Aquarium

Protection

• Group Accident insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• MASA Medical Transportation Insurance
• Employer paid basic life insurance
• Whole life insurance
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Contributory term life insurance
• Pet Insurance

To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
WELLNESS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
01


Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School diploma or GED from an institution accredited by SACS
• Some education beyond high school
• Technical or Vocational Degree
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02


How much experience do you have in construction, heavy equipment operation, or maintenance labor.

• None
• Up to 2 years of experience
• 2 - 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

03


Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04


What type of Driver's License do you possess?

• None
• Class C--Regular
• Class CP--Learner's Permit
• Class D--Regular Provisional
• Class E--Emergency Vehicle Non CDL
• Class F--Emergency Vehicle
• Class EP or FP--Permit
• Class M--Motorcycle
• Class MP--Motorcycle Learner's Permit
• Class A CDL
• Class AP--CDL Permit
• Class B CDL
• Class BP CDL Permit
• Class C CDL
• Other

05


You will be required to obtain a Georgia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for this position. Please select one of the following regarding your CDL status

• I have a CDL now.
• I have a CDL permit now.
• I am able to obtain a CDL.
• I am not able to obtain a CDL.

06


Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Department of Transportation Flagging certification within 6 months of employment?

• Yes
• No

07


Could you 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.

• Yes
• No

08


Were you referred to this agency by a current Athens Clarke County employee? If so please provide that employee's name.
Required Question