A Heavy Equipment Operator specializes in the usage of construction machinery equipment and primarily performs the task of moving heavy materials at the construction sites. Most of the equipment that they operate consists of various types of transportation vehicles for heavy goods. They mostly work for private contracting firms, which undertake various government and private contract based construction jobs.
Job Responsibilities
Heavy equipment operators use a wide variety of equipment such as drilling machines, bulldozers, asphalt plants, cranes, track loaders, etc. in order to achieve their tasks of moving earth and machinery on a construction site. They may also use modern tools such as GPS units in order to determine the exact location or measure the level of a surface. Some operators may carry out tasks such as ground leveling and spreading of asphalt, while others are involved in earth digging for various purposes such as constructing foundation pillars of bridges or in the construction of mines. Digging tools such as pile drivers and drill machines are utilized for this process.
Skills
The job of a heavy equipment operator is physically demanding and thus requires the individual to be in good physical condition. In-depth knowledge about the various types of equipment used is a must. They need to be dexterous in carrying out heavy tasks and should be able to carry out directions in a precise manner. Thus, they need to possess good hand-eye coordination in order to help them with their work.
Work Conditions
Most of the equipment that heavy equipment operators use can be extremely dangerous in nature, if not used in the correct manner. Even with great care, accidents can happen. Thus, they have to be alert with the machinery at all times and not let anything distract them. The noise generated by these machines can lead to permanent hearing disability. There is also the risk of particle contamination because of the dust and gravel around the sites.
They have to work outdoors most of the time. They have to face changing weather conditions and still produce the same output. Although, work is shut down in the event of heavy snowfall or a blizzard, most of the other times they have to work through less than favorable conditions in an outdoor environment. Thus, a heavy equipment operator's work involves a lot of risk and is physically demanding.
Qualifications, Training and Advancement
In order to work as a heavy equipment operator, educational qualifications do not play a mandatory role during the hiring process. However, a person with a specialization course in automobile mechanics or machinery equipment may be preferred over others. Some vocation schools offer special courses for those aspiring to work in this field. In order to drive a tractor, bulldozer or any other similar vehicle, they need to possess a valid driver's license.
A major part of the training in the career of a heavy equipment operator takes place on the field, rather than from information found in books. On the job training is provided by some companies and this helps them in learning the basics of different equipments under the guidance of a senior operator, who works as a mentor.
Upon working for several years as a skilled heavy equipment operator, one can advance to a supervisory role depending on the performance and job openings. Some operators also choose to take up the role of a trainer during the latter part of their careers.
Salary
The hourly wages for a heavy equipment worker is anywhere between $17 and $22. Depending on the exact subtype that an operator may work in, they can get paid higher or lower than these figures. Those working in building constructions are usually paid the highest, while operators working for local government based jobs earn less than others. Most operators belong to a working, union which takes care of their additional benefits such as insurance and finance plans.
A heavy equipment operator's work consists of operating various construction site equipments and requires skilled and precise usage of those tools and machinery.