Optical Machine Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $48,152.00 Annually
Location : 222 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701, GA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-02-014
Department: Utility Operations
Division: Gas Fund Expense
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
The Position
The purpose of this classification is to perform skilled/manual work functions associated with operating welding equipment and repairing/maintaining equipment and machinery associated with construction, repair and maintenance of gas utility lines and related systems/equipment.
Duties
Performs various welding tasks associated with construction, repair and maintenance of gas utility lines and related systems/equipment such as welding pipe casings, welding vault lids and pipe fittings, welding metal parts together, welding hot gas mains, repairing broken or cracked parts, filling holes, fabricating special parts and apparatus, etc.
Lays out, marks, cuts and welds light and heavy material using arc, acetylene and wire welding equipment; tests welded pipes, parts, and other welding work.
Assists in locating and repairing gas lines, meters, valves and related equipment.
Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair of gas utility systems which may include installing gas lines, locating/repairing gas lines, locating/repairing gas leaks, coating pipes with hot wrap, locating gas valves, connecting/disconnecting gas meters, repairing/replacing gas meters, resetting meters, breaking/pulverizing concrete, digging holes and trenches, shoveling materials, etc.
Operates a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in construction, maintenance and repair of gas utility systems, such as boom truck, dump truck, welding truck, welding machine, cutting torch, arc welder, grinder, vise, pipe locator, valve locator, leak detector, hydraulic squeezer, pipe cutter, pipe threader, boring machine, jackhammer, post hole digger, shovel, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, two-way radio, etc.
Performs general and preventive maintenance as needed to maintain vehicles and equipment in operable condition; inspects equipment, pumps fuel, checks fluid levels, replaces fluids, washes/cleans equipment, etc.
Maintains supply of equipment, tools and supplies for use at work sites; initiates requests for new/replacement inventory as needed.
Prepares and/or completes various forms, correspondence, reports, work orders, and other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, work orders, maps, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.
Responds to routine requests for information from employees, officials, the public or other individuals.
May be required to work after normal business hours, weekends, and holidays in the event of a natural disaster, power outages, downed power lines, fiber optic lines, trees, etc. or any distribution of service to WG&L customers; during periods of severe weather, required to contact immediate supervisor for any instructions.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Assists other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in Welding, Utility Construction or related field required; supplemented by two (2) years previous experience as a certified pipeline welder and/or training involving pipeline welding and utility construction; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid Pipe Welder Certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Commercial Driver's license (CDL) including appropriate endorsements within six months of hire.
Core Competencies & ADA Compliance
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others on how to apply procedures and standards to specific situations.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and rapid adjustments.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
Functional Reasoning: Requires ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
ADA COMPLIANCE
Physical Ability: Tasks involve regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves 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, sounds, odors, depths, textures, 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, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, or explosive materials.
Albany Water, Gas & Light Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Albany Water, Gas & Light Commission will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employer Paid: Vacation Pay, Sick Pay, Holiday Pay, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
Optional:Vision Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 457(b) Plan
Whole Life Insurance, Critical illness Insurance, Discounted YMCA Membership
01
Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License with Hazardous material endorsement and Tanker Endorsement?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a valid Pipe Welder Certification ?

• Yes
• No

03
If you do not possess a CDL, are you able to obtain a CDL within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a Associates Degree?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you possess a valid Georgia Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you a certified welder?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have two (2) years previous experience as a certified pipeline welder and/or training involving pipeline welding and utility construction; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job?

• Yes
• No

Required Question