Become an Engineering Equipment Operator at the Georgia National Cemetery

The Georgia National Cemetery in Canton is currently seeking a skilled Engineering Equipment Operator to join our dedicated team. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential services in a place of honor, respect, and remembrance. By maintaining the grounds where our nation’s heroes rest, you play a vital role in fulfilling a promise of care to our Veterans and their families.

Job Responsibilities

As an Engineering Equipment Operator, your primary duties involve the operation of heavy machinery to prepare and maintain burial sites. Key responsibilities include:

Operating backhoes, front-end loaders, and other heavy equipment to dig and prepare grave sites.
Maneuvering equipment in tight, specific areas to transfer earth and materials.
Landscaping duties such as clearing brush, stumps, and rocks.
Adjusting attachments for depth, angle, and level to ensure site accuracy.

Work Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Description
Driver's License	Valid REAL ID compliant license required
Lifting	Up to 50 lbs unassisted
Environment	Outdoor, all-weather conditions
Schedule	Monday–Friday with weekend/holiday rotations

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate the potential to operate heavy equipment effectively. This is assessed based on past work experience, training, or education. Key requirements include passing a drug test, completing a one-year probationary period, and possessing the physical stamina to perform repetitive, manual tasks outdoors.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers competitive hourly compensation ranging from $31.68 to $36.94 per hour. Employees also gain the satisfaction of contributing to a federal mission of national importance, along with the standard benefits packages associated with federal employment within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Do not assume the hiring team knows your experience. List specific equipment and the hours you spent operating it.
Follow Instructions: Keep your resume to two pages and use a professional format.
Submit Early: Ensure your application is complete, including all required documents like the DD-214, well before the August 6, 2026, deadline.

Serving as an Engineering Equipment Operator at the Georgia National Cemetery is more than just a job; it is a way to serve those who served us. If you have the skills and the drive to work in a demanding but rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Engineering Eqpt Operator Job Matters

Join the Georgia National Cemetery team as an Engineering Equipment Operator and help maintain a hallowed final resting place for our nation's heroes.

Engineering Eqpt Operator Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Engineering Equipment Operator at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the dignity and beauty of the cemetery grounds, utilizing heavy machinery to prepare grave sites and support essential facility operations. This position offers a stable, mission-driven career for individuals skilled in operating heavy equipment who take pride in honoring those who have served our country.

Requirements for Engineering Eqpt Operator

Possess a valid REAL ID compliant state driver's license.
Ability to perform job duties without more than normal supervision.
Ability to lift weights up to 50 lbs unassisted.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Must be able to pass a drug screening test prior to appointment.
Ability to navigate hilly, flat, and rolling terrain.

Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Eqpt Operator

Prior experience or training in operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, trench diggers, and industrial tractors.
Technical proficiency in adjusting machinery attachments for precision work.
Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a professional setting.
Previous experience in landscaping, site excavation, or grounds maintenance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal compensation
✓Opportunities for professional development within the VA
✓Contribution to a noble, mission-driven cause
✓Standard federal employee benefits and insurance options
✓Structured, stable work environment

💡 How to Apply Engineering Eqpt Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Engineering Eqpt Operator Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement details.
Prepare a resume that explicitly details your equipment operating experience.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, such as your DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date of August 6, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is no more than 2 pages and uses a font size of at least 10 points.
Be specific about the types of equipment you have operated; do not rely on assumptions.
Clearly state your weekly work hours for any part-time experience.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Ensure your responses in the questionnaire are fully supported by the details in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of heavy equipment will I be operating?

You will be expected to operate equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, tractors with bulldozer or angledozer blades, trench diggers, and industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments.

Is this a physical job?

Yes, this position requires heavy physical effort, including reaching, bending, turning, and lifting items weighing up to 50 lbs. You will also be working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Do I need prior formal training to apply?

While no specific duration of training is required, you must demonstrate evidence of the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties through your past work, training, or education.

Are weekends required?

Yes, the mission of the cemetery requires occasional weekend and holiday work, especially during federal holidays.

What is the Rule of Many?

The NCA uses the Rule of Many, which allows for the selection of top-ranked candidates from a broader pool to ensure the most qualified individuals are hired.

Job from National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to honor Veterans with final resting places in national shrines. Every employee at the Georgia National Cemetery contributes to a landscape that inspires visitors and respects the service and sacrifice of those who protected our country.