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Machine Repair Apprentice Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Winder, GA ยท On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

Cleans, services, and makes minor repairs to equipment. * Performs equipment maintenance duties ... The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and inclement ...

Repair, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment throughout the 1.2 million-square-foot facility ... Monitor and optimize machine control settings through the Warehouse Control System (WCS) to support ...

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Machine Repair Apprentice information

See Athens, GA salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do machine repair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine repair apprentice in Athens, GA is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine repair apprentice?

A Machine Repair Apprentice is an individual who is in training to learn how to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial machinery under the supervision of experienced technicians or journeymen. Apprentices typically participate in a structured program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Their duties may include inspecting equipment, replacing worn parts, performing preventive maintenance, and learning to use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment. This role is essential in manufacturing and production environments, ensuring machines operate efficiently and safely. Over time, apprentices gain the skills and experience needed to become fully qualified machine repair technicians.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine repair apprentice?

To thrive as a Machine Repair Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, basic electrical knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by enrollment in a technical apprenticeship program. Familiarity with hand and power tools, diagnostic equipment, and sometimes computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure effective troubleshooting, safe repairs, and a foundation for future advancement in the mechanical trades.

What are some typical challenges faced by a machine repair apprentice during the first year on the job?

In the first year as a Machine Repair Apprentice, you may find it challenging to quickly diagnose mechanical issues and become familiar with a wide range of machinery. Adapting to the fast-paced environment of manufacturing or production floors, where breakdowns require swift and effective repairs, can also be demanding. Additionally, balancing on-the-job training with classroom learning, and effectively communicating with experienced technicians and operators, is essential for success. Fortunately, most workplaces pair apprentices with mentors to guide their development and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Machine Repair Apprentice vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectMachine Repair ApprenticeMaintenance Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or technical schoolHigh school diploma or equivalent; may have technical certifications or vocational training
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, industrial facilities, equipment maintenance areas
Job FocusLearning to repair and troubleshoot machinery under supervisionPerforming routine and preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting

While both roles involve working with machinery in industrial settings, a Machine Repair Apprentice is primarily in training to develop repair skills, whereas a Maintenance Technician performs ongoing maintenance and repairs independently. The apprentice role is more focused on learning, often under supervision, while the technician role involves hands-on, routine work to keep equipment operational.

Infographic showing various Machine Repair Apprentice job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,229 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Winder, GA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary : $53,136.49 - $85,017.97 Annually
Location : Barrow County, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 00394
Department: Public Works
Division: Roads & Bridges
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
This position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy road maintenance and construction equipment. This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.
The grade for this position is 12.
MAJOR DUTIES
  • Operates a variety of heavy equipment to facilitate department work processes safely and efficiently.
  • Inspects equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in proper operating condition; checks brakes, mirrors, lights, wipers, belts, hoses, air pressure, fluid levels, etc.
  • Cleans, services, and makes minor repairs to equipment.
  • Performs equipment maintenance duties such as lubricating, greasing, and checking air, oil, gas, and other fluids.
  • Loads dump trucks and hauls sand, dirt, clay, asphalt, and other materials to work sites.
  • Grades dirt roads and maintains driveways.
  • Maintains ditches.
  • Flags traffic and work sites.
  • Operates a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Locates utilities.
  • Clears debris from roads and rights-of-way.
  • Hauls equipment and materials to and from work sites.
  • Patches highways.
  • Performs related duties.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
  • Knowledge of how to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned equipment.
  • Knowledge of department and safety rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of county geography, including streets and rights-of-way.
  • Skill in defensive driving techniques.
  • Skill in operating a variety of heavy and light equipment.
  • Skill in using various hand and power tools.
  • Skill in performing road construction and maintenance duties.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.

  • Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills associated with a high school education.
  • Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
  • The work is typically performed outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

Click link for information regarding Barrow County Board of Commissioner's Employee Benefits: