Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.15 Hourly
Location : Department of Transportation Marietta, GA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04770
Department: Department of Transportation (DOT)
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Grade Code: 107
Position Information
The purpose of this classification is to operate equipment with specialized functions that involve the operation of mechanisms to complete tasks for installation, maintenance, and repairs to the County's water and or wastewater infrastructure; equipment in this classification includes vehicles with mechanisms that are somewhat complex to operate, requiring more dexterity and finesse, or large equipment requiring a higher level of skill to maneuver in and around confined spaces.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Equipment Operator IV. requires a Class A CDL, serves in a lead capacity, and performs the more technical and complex work independent of supervision.
Essential Functions
Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving high pressure cleaning of sewer lines, hydro-excavation, digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of County water and or wastewater infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven over public roads but may require off road operations; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; 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; 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 bobcat, backhoe-mounted loader, and loaders of similar size to load and/or move gravel, dirt, sand, and other materials for smaller projects and amounts; utilizes bobcat to clear land or debris.
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; controls amount and weight of materials being lifted to avoid exceeding equipment capacity.
Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes checking all fluid levels, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; secures vehicle after use.
Follows established safety procedures: utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; 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; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates equipment and trucks included at the lower level in this job family. Provides coverage during special events and activities as needed; responds to emergency and disaster situations as needed; aids other employees or departments as needed; and performs other related duties as required.
Provides emergency coverage as directed or required; works on standby status per established departmental schedules.
Adheres to established safety procedures: monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees, other individuals, equipment, and property; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project or work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and wears personal protective equipment.
Installs, maintains, repairs, and replaces water and sewer lines and related system components: locates manholes, service connections, valves and other utilities, assists with the installation of new sewer taps; clears debris from manholes, water and sewer lines, sewer stream crossings, easements, valve boxes, etc.; inspects and evaluates condition of systems; diagnoses leaks, blockages or other problems; excavates around water and sewer infrastructure; installs appropriate repair fittings; replaces service lines; performs confined space entries into permit required confined spaces as needed; cleans manholes and lines; and changes out sewer rings and lids on manholes, etc.
Travels to site; reads maps; utilizes global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information system (GIS) maps; enters and updates department database with location details; and maintains related documentation. Receives and completes work orders.
Operates and maintains a utility truck, camera, shovels, sharpshooter, probing rod, jet hose, jackhammer, pipe saw, hand saw, chainsaw, pipe cutters, various hand tools, hatchets, machetes, post hole digger, trash pump, hand pump, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required; three years of experience operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or a related field.
Licenses and Certifications
Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker endorsement.
Physical Abilities
Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).
Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, odors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, extreme temperatures, extreme noises, hazardous materials, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, falling objects, electric currents, traffic hazards, animal/wildlife attacks, animal bites, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances or explosive environments.
EEO Statement
Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Visit Cobb County's Employee Benefits page to learn more.
01
I understand that all answers to these supplemental questions must be verifiable in the 'Educational History' and 'Work History' sections of the application. Failure to provide sufficient information in these sections may result in my disqualification from the hiring process.

• Yes
• No

02
I have read the Minimum Qualifications required for this position and understand I must demonstrate those qualifications on the application in order to be considered for this position. Furthermore, a failure to adequately demonstrate all qualifications may result in my removal from consideration. Lastly, I understand indicating "see resume" on the application, may not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

• Yes
• No

03
Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on an unlimited and unrestricted basis?

• Yes
• No

04
Educational Background (copies of any education documents listed on your application will be required upon hire): Mark the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Advanced Degree
• None of the above

05
If you have a college degree, what was your major area of study? Enter N/A if this does not apply.
06
How many years of experience do you have in operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or a related field?

• No experience
• Less than three years of experience
• Three to five years of experience
• More than five years of experience

07
Please describe your experience in operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or a related field. Enter N/A if this does not apply.
08
Do you have a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker endorsement?

• Yes
• No

09
If you receive a conditional offer of employment, you will be required to satisfactorily complete the following elements: a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle Report check (MVR), a physical, a drug screen and provide copies of any education documents listed on your application. Please note that a criminal conviction may not disqualify you from consideration. Are you willing to accept these terms?

• Yes
• No

Required Question