Equipment operators generally work under the supervision of a senior person. They are most commonly related to the construction industries. The scope and purpose of the equipment operator responsibilities are essential to ensure safe and effective use of heavy equipment in the construction projects. Thus, they perform skilled and semi skilled work in the operation of light, heavy, and medium equipment. They are also responsible for the safety and maintenance of these equipment.
Key Responsibilities of Equipment Operator
If you have the passion for handling and controlling various equipment, then you can easily handle the responsibilities and duties of an equipment operator. As an equipment operator, you will need to handle bulldozers, power shovels, heavy haul trucks, backhoes, scrapers, etc. You will have to use attachments and mobile machines to grade, excavate, and move different material and equipment. If you specialize in operating a particular type of equipment, you will be given job titles accordingly; for example, bulldozer operator, grader operator, power shovel operator, etc. To get detailed information, here is a general list of key responsibilities that need to be handled by an equipment operator:
In addition, they are also required to train the less skilled staff and provide them guidance regarding the safe and effective use of the machinery. They must keep themselves updated with safety procedures and hazards related to construction, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
Essential Skills
Equipment operators need to handle light as well as heavy machinery; therefore, they should have strong knowledge of operating these equipments safely and effectively. Besides, they need to be physically fit as their work involves lot of moving and lifting of heavy machines. It may also require them to stand, crouch, sit, stoop, climb and balance for performing various functions. They should be detail oriented, have good hand eye foot coordination, should have a mechanical aptitude, and should not fear heights. They should be able to resolve problems on site, so that the work is streamlined. They should be alert, able to follow the given instructions in a repetitive manner, should have a good judgment of distances, and should be ready to work at odd work schedules.
Educational Background
Employers do not require any particular educational background. However, they prefer those who have completed their apprenticeship and have got working knowledge and experience of operating these equipment. Those who have completed vocational program or training will definitely have more chances of getting these jobs. Those who have a valid commercial driver's license will get preference.
Work Schedule and Conditions
Most of the equipment operators need to work outdoors and also in varied weather conditions. They may sometimes be exposed to extreme adverse conditions. They must be flexible to work even at odd hours, especially during disaster or emergencies. If there is any particular deadline that needs to be met, they may be required to work overtime and their work hours may last upto fourteen hours a day.
Salary Details
The average annual salary for equipment operator is in the range of $36,000 to $40,000. It varies according to their type of specialization, experience, skills, geographical location, etc. Pile driver operators are the highest paid operators whose salary is in the range of $48,000. Paving, tamping, or surfacing operators are paid in the range of $33,000 to $35,000.
Career Prospects
The career prospects are really bright and the employment is expected to grow by twenty three percent. There are numerous job opportunities and those with experience have got bright chances for advancement as well.
Thus, it is essential that you have in-depth knowledge of operating various types of equipment that will assist you in carrying out equipment operator responsibilities more effectively and efficiently.