Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO)

Start Your New Career as a HERO Trainee

Start Your New Career as a HERO Trainee Interested in becoming a HERO operator with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)? Georgia DOT is now recruiting for the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Trainee program. If you're looking for a meaningful career serving motorists and helping keep Georgia's highways safe, this opportunity may be for you. ✔ Full-time position ✔ Starting salary of $40k/yr ✔ State of Georgia benefits ✔ Comprehensive training ✔ Opportunities for advancement APPLY NOW Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) personnel are dispatched to traffic-related incidents in metro Atlanta with the primary duty to clear roads so that normal traffic flow is restored. HERO operators also assist stranded motorists with flat tires, dead batteries or in need of fuel or coolant. Georgia DOT HERO and CHAMP Sponsorship with GEICO Program Stats FY 2025 32 Monitored routes in metro Atlanta 82 Active operators 382 Miles patrolled 47,610 Total assists performed NOTE: The number of motorist assists does not include lane clearance and other maintenance activities. Patrol Routes View Printable Map Search for HERO Jobs Request HERO School Visit Services A HERO Unit is dispatched to traffic-related incidents with a primary duty to clear roads so that normal traffic flow is restored. Secondarily, HERO operators assist stranded motorists by: Changing flat tires Jump-starting batteries Providing fuel or coolant Pushing vehicles to the shoulder Transporting motorists to safe areas away from traffic Administering first aid Performing minor mechanical repairs NOTE: There is no charge for the HERO service. FAQs Can I call 511 to request assistance from a HERO operator? Yes, if you are in metro Atlanta, dial 511 from any phone and when prompted say "HERO" for motorist assistance. Users can also switch to touch tone mode and select "option 1". What routes do the HERO operators patrol? HERO operators currently patrol 382 miles within metro Atlanta I-20 between Thornton Rd. (Exit 44) and SR20/SR138/Stockbridge Hwy. (Exit 82) I-75 between SR 155 (Exit 216) and Emerson-Allatoona Rd. (Exit 283) I-85 between SR 74/Senoia Rd. (Exit 61) and SR 20 (Exit 115) I-285 between Washington Rd. (Exit 1) and Old National Hwy. (Exit 62) I-575 between Barrett Pkwy. (Exit 1) and Townlake Pkwy. (Exit 8) I-675 between I-75 and I-285 I-985 between I-85 and Spout Springs Rd./Flowery Branch Rd. (Exit 12) SR 166/Langford Pkwy. between I-285 and I-75/85 US 78 between Valley Brook Rd./N. Druid Hills (Exit 1) and West Park Place Blvd. (Exit 9) SR 400 between Sidney Marcus Blvd/Piedmont Rd. (Exit 1) and Windward Pkwy (Exit 11) Is a HERO operator a law enforcement officer? No. A HERO operator is not a law enforcement officer. However, they are able to assist law enforcement officers at the scene of an incident. How will I know that this is a real GDOT employee? HERO operators wear an assigned uniform that readily identifies them as a Georgia DOT Incident Management Technician. They will provide identification immediately upon request. Can I give them a tip for helping me? No, a HERO operator is a state employee and is paid by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Will a HERO operator ever pass me while I'm stranded on the road? HERO operators are primarily responsible for incident management and roadway clearance. Assisting stranded motorists is a secondary duty as conditions allow. During major traffic incidents or severe weather, a HERO operator may not be available for routine motorist assistance. You should arrange for alternate roadside assistance during these times. Exceptions may be made for disabled vehicles obstructing travel lanes. Can a HERO tow me to the nearest service station or exit? No, the HERO program is not a wrecker service and does not tow vehicles. The push bumpers on the vehicles gently push a stalled vehicle to the shoulder. A HERO operator will then offer you the use of a cellular telephone to call a wrecker service. Why did the Georgia DOT implement the HERO program? The HERO program is an integral part of a comprehensive effort to safely and efficiently keep traffic moving. One minute of lane blockage results in four to seven minutes of delay to motorists. Goals Relieve congestion and maintain consistent traffic flow at incident locations Reduce response time to traffic-related incidents Patrol 382 miles of metro Atlanta freeways Respond to incidents on metro Atlanta freeways Provide support to law enforcement, first-response and other emergency agencies Assist in clearing stalled vehicles from travel lanes Help stranded motorists with minor mechanical problems Funding Funding for the HERO program has been provided by Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Fund under the guidance of the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Incident Management Taskforce. The Taskforce members include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), GDOT, traffic reporters, emergency and first-response agencies and the private sector. Feedback If you have comments about the HERO Program, or if you've been helped by a HERO operator and would like to say "THANKS", we'd love to hear from you! Contact Us.