Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary : $47,825.23 - $66,851.65 Annually
Location : Live Oak Complex, Building H, 223 North Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01714
Department: Roads and Bridges
Opening Date: 01/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Job Summary and Essential Functions
This position typically provides performance of specialized skilled work in the operation of a variety of complex motorized heavy equipment and vehicles in the construction and maintenance of county right of ways. Must be able to deal courteously and effectively with fellow employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs duties in the operation of various types of heavy construction equipment which may include side-cutters, bulldozer, loaders, motor graders, backhoes, paving machines and excavators.
• Operates small hand tools, forklifts, chain saws, commercial weed eaters, and earth compactors during installation and repairs of storm drainage system or roadways. May use asphalt racks in spreading and leveling hot mix asphalt in patching potholes, paving driveways and resurfacing roadways.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance of equipment.
• Installs drainage pipes at new and completed sites to ensure proper drainage.
• Performs clearing of roadways.
• Assists with storm cleanup.
• Patches asphalt and repairs sinkholes.
• Installs driveways.
• Transports materials to jobsite.
• Provides traffic control.
• Maintains an accurate record/log of work performed.
• May supervise maintenance workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

Heavy Equipment Operator 1:

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) year of related equipment operating experience preferred;
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record.

Heavy Equipment Operator 2:

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) year of related equipment operating experience;
• Must be proficient in the operation of at least two (2) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader.

Heavy Equipment Operator 3:

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Two (2) years of related equipment operating experience;
• Must be proficient in the operation of at least three (3) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader.

Heavy Equipment Operator 4:

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Three (3) years of related equipment operating experience;
• Must have and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License Class A for South Carolina with safe driving record.
• Must be proficient in the operation of at least three (3) of the following pieces of equipment: front end loader, backhoe, excavator, compactor, skid steer, bulldozer, motor grader.

Special Requirements:

• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not onfile.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and write. Strong mathematical skills preferred.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and organize, plan and execute these instructions.
• Ability to use pneumatic power tools and general mechanics tools.
• Ability to use or repair small, medium and heavy equipment and machinery.

Physical Demands
This position requires the employee to reach, pull and push with hands and arms; stand; use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ninety-five (95) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions
The work is regularly performed in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal working hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with the ability to work after hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.
Berkeley County offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

• Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Personal Leave
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program

01


Do you have a valid High School diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have one (1) year of related experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question