General Job Description

Under limited supervision the, Heavy Equipment Operator III is responsible for operating a variety of heavy construction equipment to support the maintenance and development of Horry County’s roads and drainage systems. This role involves performing skilled tasks such as grading, asphalt patching, ditching, and material transport, as well as conducting routine maintenance on equipment. The position requires adherence to safety regulations, the ability to work in various weather and terrain conditions, and effective communication with crew members. Reports to Road Maintenance Supervisor III/ Construction Superintendent.

Duties for this Position

• Operates heavy machinery with limited supervision and performing a high level of skill to accomplish a variety of road construction and maintenance tasks, including gathering and transporting materials, building and maintaining bridges, grading and compacting roads, paving roads, digging drainage ditches, installing storm drains/ tile, repairing roads and driveways, removing trees and vegetation adjacent to roads, building and installing catch basins, etc. Equipment may include backhoe, front end loader, bush hog, motor grader, roller, trucks, tractor, crane, excavator, pan, etc.
• Uses various surveying instruments to take measurements.
• Utilizes various types of tools as necessary to perform road maintenance and construction duties including but not limited to: hydro seeder, chain saw, shovel, axe, post hole digger, mechanic’s tools, carpentry tools, transit, radio, etc.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on department vehicles and equipment.
• Completes vehicle and equipment maintenance reports indicating when service was performed and repairs were needed.
• Receives work orders and completes jobs in a timely manner as prescribed by the supervisor.
• Transports equipment to job sites.
• Performs duties periodically including but not limited to: laying blocks and brick, landscape and seed shoulders, pick up supplies as needed, calculating project costs and estimate time and equipment required to complete tasks, etc.
• Performs related duties as may be required.

Position Minimum Requirements

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in heavy equipment operation or related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Retirement:

• Participate in the South Carolina State Retirement System with strong employer contributions (SCRS or PORS).
• Take advantage of optional retirement saving through tax-favored 401(k)/457 accounts to further secure your future.

Health & Insurance:

• Employer-funded health and dental insurance, plus employer-funded Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Basic Life Insurance coverage.
• Vision coverage and additional insurance options available for employees and dependents.

Wellness:

• Prioritize your well-being with total access to our Wellness Center, free gym, wellness incentives, and employee-family counseling via EAP.

Paid Leave & Holidays:

• Benefit from generous paid leave accruals that grow over time, plus 13 paid holidays.