Heavy Equipment Operator

• My Match

• Crossover
  Career

Do you like the idea of using machines and vehicles to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks? You might consider a job as a Heavy Equipment Operator. You’ll work to excavate sites, move dirt, pour concrete, and help build large structures and buildings.

You may start out working with forklifts, skid-steer loaders and other smaller heavy equipment. As an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator, you may use bulldozers, backhoes, excavators and cranes to prepare land for construction. You may also maintain and repair equipment as needed.

Projects may include helping to build roads, bridges, office buildings and other large structures. You’ll have the satisfaction of seeing your hard work help to build things people use every day.

It’s important to know and follow all safety procedures when working. Experience operating smaller heavy equipment is helpful in getting this job. 

Are you ready to begin your path to a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator? Visit SteelToePro to learn more about this career and create a free profile today.

Critical Skills

• Comprehend Technical Drawings and Other Visual Instructions
• Construction Knowledge
• Equipment Selection
• Inspect Equipment
• Mechanical Tools, Equipment, and Systems
• Operate Large Vehicles
• Precise Hand/Eye Coordination
• Safety Regulations and Procedures
• Team Player

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
• Load and move dirt, rocks, equipment, or other materials, using trucks, power cranes, shovels, graders, or related equipment
• Take action to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects
• Drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain
• Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met
• Operate equipment to demolish or remove debris

Specific job titles and duties vary by employer so check for details.