By definition, an operator is someone who handles some sort of machinery or specific equipment which is assigned to him/her. There are a number of different types of operators such as telephone operator, computer operator, machine operator, construction equipment operator and power plant operator. Generally speaking, the term operator is associated with telephone operators who provide a number of voice-based services through the medium of wired and wireless telephones. With the fast rising importance of computers in our daily lives, most telephone operators also display the characteristics of computer operators as they use computing technology to provide better service to their customers.
Description
The basic job function of any operator is to execute certain tasks with the help of a specific tool and also perform occasional maintenance work on that tool. Construction equipment operators handle the various equipment that are used in the field of construction such as cranes, bulldozers, road graders, shovels, drilling machines, etc.
Power plant operators control tools used in power-generating plants such as turbines, boilers, generators, etc. Switchboard telephone operators have to relay various outgoing and incoming calls with the help of telephone switchboards and also provide customer assistance whenever required. Computer operators perform basic software and hardware maintenance tasks on computing systems as well as carry out data entry work in some cases.
Skills
The most important skill that operators must possess is to be proficient with the tool or equipment that is assigned to them. They may have to learn about the inner workings of that specific tool in order to use it in an efficient manner. Thus, having good analytical skills and willingness to learn new concepts is necessary for an operator. Other skills are dependent on the specific sub-type of operator work carried out by a person. For instance, telephone operators should possess excellent oral communication skills owing to their job profile, while a machine operator should be proficient with handling various machine knobs and should be in excellent physical condition.
Requirements
The specific requirements for operator work vary from the specific work type. Construction equipment operators need to have completed a certification course in machine handling or in any similar subject. While most of the training for this work is carried out on the job, having prior knowledge about different equipment and their maintenance is considered to be a huge advantage in this field.
Computer operators who mainly perform data entry work are expected to have a high school diploma as the minimum academic requirement. Prior experience in the field and fast typing skills with good accuracy are considered to be more important than educational qualifications for this type of work. Similarly, telephone operators need to possess a minimum high school diploma or equivalent certification as the chief requirements of their work is to have good communication and interpersonal skills.
Career Advancement
For those who work as operators of large scale construction and manufacturing equipment, career advancement opportunities usually come in the form of a supervisory role based on the experience, skill level and overall qualifications of the person. Some of them are given the task of handling more complex machinery while others also move on to training roles in the latter parts of their careers.
For those handling electronic equipment such as telephones and computers, promotions to the supervisory or managerial levels come with possessing experience and displaying excellent skills on the job. Also, with the increasing amount of dependence on computers for numerous tasks, the job opportunities in this line of work are highly positive.
Salary and Benefits
Computer operators earn around $35,000 on an average. This figure is dependent on various factors such as specific organization, industry, skill level and experience. Similarly, telephone operators earn around $30,000 and as these are considered entry level jobs in the field, the wages progressively increase along with experience and higher positions. Construction equipment workers are paid on hourly wages basis and earn around $15 to $26 per hour. Power plant operators earn between $55,000 and $74,000 on an average. They are paid well owing to the skilled nature of their job.
Thus, operator work involves a variety of different jobs with the common goal of operating particular equipment for the better functioning of the organization.