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Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators

Also called: Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Operating Engineer, 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.
  • Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • building and construction
  • mechanical
Business
  • management

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

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
  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady
Attention
  • do two or more things at the same time
  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Independence
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Facilities management software
  • Maintenance record software
Time accounting software
  • Work record software

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$41,510
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about operating engineers and other construction equipment operators.