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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Also called: Equipment Operator (EO), Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), Machine Operator, Operating Engineer

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.
  • Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

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

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

Vision

  • decide which thing is closer or farther away from you or decide how far away it is from you
  • see details up close

Attention

  • do two or more things at the same time

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Independence

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Facilities management software

  • Maintenance record software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $51,430

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.

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