Job Overview
Heavy equipment operators run and maintain various types of heavy machinery including bulldozers, motor graders, backhoes, excavators, and front end loaders. These machines are used to build roads, develop land, excavate earth, and assist in building construction.
The work environment is outdoors in all types of climate. In areas with a harsh winter, heavy equipment operators will have months off from work unless they are able to find work as a snowplow operator. The work is dangerous due to working with large and heavy loads. It is also common for operators to work late at night to work around deadlines and busy times of transportation.
Duties
Common tasks construction equipment operators perform are:
- Move construction materials, earth, other heavy materials around construction sites and mines
- Clear and grade land to prepare it for roads, buildings, and bridges.
- Dig trenches to lay or repair sewer and other utilities, and hoist heavy construction materials.
- Constructing oil rigs
- Spread asphalt and concrete on roads and other structures.
Skills and abilities
Not only are operators required to operate the machines they are also required to know how how to inspect and maintain the machines if they break or fail. Another requirement is to have an understanding of GPS to follow direct coordinates when moving machines or materials.
Qualifications
At least three years of heavy equipment experience or a heavy equipment operator license or certification.