State Sen. Ed Tarver’s next job is a done deal.

The full U.S. Senate has confirmed him as the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. He was confirmed last night by unanimous consent, according to Erica Chabot, press secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The only step left in the process now is for President Obama to execute the appointment. Mr. Tarver will have to resign his seat as a state senator from Augusta.

“I found out about 4:45 this morning,” Mr. Tarver said. “It was certainly the first thing I learned when I woke up this morning.”

He said he didn't waste time letting others know about the confirmation.

“I was extremely proud of the honor I have received. I immediately wanted to share the news with my wife and others. I woke some people up this morning to let them know it had taken place,” he said with a laugh.

Mr. Tarver said that he has a number of things to do before President Obama makes the appointment and will be working on those things over the next few days.

“I’m certainly excited about the opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead,” he said. “I look forward to being sworn in and serving the southern district of Georgia as its U.S. attorney.”

Lt. Gov.Casey Cagle offered his congratulations to Mr. Tarver on the confirmation.

“I want to be among the first to congratulate Senator Tarver on receiving a strong vote of approval from the U.S. Senate last night." Lt. Gov. Cagle said in a media statement. "He has worked diligently in the State Senate and is respected by many under the Gold Dome. I am confident he will embrace a new position as U.S. Attorney with the same thoughtful leadership he displayed in the State Senate. We congratulate him on such a high honor.”

Mr. Tarver was nominated for the post by Mr. Obama in October to replace Edmund A. Booth Jr., who retired.

He will be the first black to serve in the position, overseeing a district covering 43 counties, stretching from Thurmond Lake to the Florida border with offices in Augusta, Savannah, Statesboro, Brunswick, Dublin and Waycross. The job pays about $150,000 a year.

Staff writer Nikasha Dicks contributed to this article

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or johnny.edwards@augustachronicle.com