Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators
Also called:
Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Operating Engineer, Back Hoe Operator
What they do:
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
On the job, you would:
- Learn and follow safety regulations.
- Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
- Adjust handwheels and depress pedals to control attachments, such as blades, buckets, scrapers, or swing booms.
Engineering and Technology
- building and construction
- mechanical
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
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Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
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Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
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People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Initiative
- Achievement/Effort
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You might use software like this on the job:
Facilities management software
- Maintenance record software
Time accounting software
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some college or
high school diploma
usually needed
Get started on your career:
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New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$41,510
per year, on average
This work is part of the .
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You might like a career in one of these industries:
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