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Tug Driver Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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$4

$13

$16

How much do tug driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug driver in Georgia is $13.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug driver?

Tug drivers, also known as ground support equipment (GSE) operators, are responsible for operating tugs or tractors that move aircraft, baggage carts, cargo, and other equipment around airports. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of aircraft and materials on the ground. Tug drivers must be skilled in maneuvering large vehicles in busy airport environments and adhere to strict safety protocols. Their work helps maintain timely flight schedules and supports overall airport operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tug driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tug Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience or certification in operating heavy vehicles or airport ground support equipment. Familiarity with airport communications systems, ground handling procedures, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations on busy airfields. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent accidents, maintain flight schedules, and uphold safety standards in airport environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tug drivers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tug drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating busy or congested airport ramps, adhering to tight schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with ground crews and follow all safety protocols diligently. Staying alert, keeping up with ongoing training, and being adaptable to sudden operational changes can help tug drivers perform efficiently and safely. Collaboration with dispatchers and other team members is also essential to ensure smooth ground handling operations.

What is the difference between Tug Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTug DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often requiredForklift certification/license required
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, shipping yardsWarehouses, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, logisticsWarehousing, manufacturing, retail
Job FocusMoving large ships, tugging cargo shipsMoving pallets, containers within facilities

While both roles involve vehicle operation in logistics settings, Tug Drivers primarily operate specialized vehicles to move ships and large cargo in ports, requiring a CDL. Forklift Operators focus on internal material handling within warehouses, needing forklift certification. Both roles are essential in logistics but differ in environment, equipment, and specific skills.

What are the duties of a tug driver?

A tug driver operates tugboats to move ships, barges, or other large vessels within ports, harbors, or docks. Their duties include maneuvering vessels safely, following safety protocols, and maintaining the vessel and equipment. Certification in marine operations and good navigation skills are often required.

What are popular job titles related to Tug Driver jobs in Georgia?

For Tug Driver jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tug Driver jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Tug Driver jobs in Georgia are:

Tug Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tug Driver job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,353 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - G122 - Pine Grove Landfill

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, GA • On-site

$22.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $22.87 Hourly
Location : Public Works, 1152 Cusseta Rd, Columbus, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-00000487
Department: Public Works
Division: Pine Grove Landfill
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Major Duties and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment in support of landfill activities.
  • Operates heavy equipment associated with land filling activities, including but not limited to: landfill compactor, bulldozer, loader, excavator, off-road haul truck, windrow turner, tractor, tub grinder; operates various hand tools.
  • Maintains proper drainage of rainwater from roads and slopes.
  • Read grade stakes, construct roads, cover trash, build lifts, and compact trash to desired amount.
  • Excavate dirt/trash, load dirt/trash, muck out sediment ponds, repair erosion on slopes, and other activities as needed.
  • Supervises inmate laborers and trains others as needed.
  • Carries out a continuous effort to improve operations, compaction, and work processes.
  • Works independently and cooperatively to provide continuous improvement and customer-driven service.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the tools and equipment employed in the operation of a landfill.
  • Knowledge of the regulations and policies utilized in the supervision of inmate laborers.
  • Skill in the operation of heavy and specialized equipment.
  • Skill in reading construction plans and grade stakes.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Educational and Training Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically 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. This position is required to supervise state inmate labor. Employee must pass the Department of Corrections three-day certification within the time frame required by this department, which is normally six months but may be altered. 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. Must obtain Commercial Driver's License within the first year of employment unless specified otherwise by the Waste Disposal Manager. Ability to obtain GA Landfill Operator Certification once employed maybe required. Ability to obtain Blue Card for erosion and sedimentation also may be required.
Physical Requirements
The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
  • Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
  • Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
  • Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
  • Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
  • Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
  • Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Standing - for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
  • Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
  • Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
  • Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
  • Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
  • Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
  • Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
  • Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

The work is typically performed outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
The Columbus Consolidated Government is proud to offer an exceptional compensation and benefits package. Benefits include the following:
  • Low-cost Medical Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Credit Union
  • Direct Deposit
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • PERK Time Off
  • Retirement Plan
  • Supplemental Retirement Plan
  • Free and Discounted Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

Take advantage of these free and discounted City Services offered to all City Employees.
  • Discounted Movie Tickets
  • Free Notary Services
  • Ride a Metra Bus for Free
  • Free Mulch
  • Free Fire/Safety Home Inspection
  • Driver's Training for Employee Dependents
  • Oxbow/Bull Creek Golf Course discounts
  • River Center Discounts
  • Cell Phone Carrier Discounts

Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a defined benefit retirement plan to eligible employees who work in General Government and in Public Safety. Employees in the pension plan must meet both age and years of service requirements to qualify for retirement. The current vesting period is ten years, and the current pension contribution rate is 8% of your gross salary.
Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a Deferred Compensation Plan or supplemental retirement plan that is tax deferred. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to a retirement account. Your compensation is more than a paycheck, it allows you to plan for your financial future as well.
01
Which best describes your level of education? (You will be asked to provide documentation)
  • No High School Diploma
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Technical College
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate's Degree

02
How many years of work experience do you have in heavy equipment?
  • None
  • 0 - 1 year
  • 1 - 3 years
  • 3 - 5 years
  • 5 years or more

03
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have any supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Please list any work experience you have with supervising, directing, and assigning the work of inmates and probationers or related field.
Required Question

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