Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
What is a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators in surface mining are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery to extract minerals and resources from the earth's surface. Their role involves controlling large machines such as draglines, excavators, and loaders to remove soil and rock layers, facilitating the safe and efficient access to minerals like coal, metal ores, and other valuable materials. These operators must be proficient in various operational techniques, including positioning equipment, performing pre-operation inspections, and adhering to strict safety protocols to minimize risks associated with heavy machinery and mining operations. Additionally, they work in collaboration with other members of the mining team to ensure that production goals are met while maintaining environmental standards and minimizing the impact of mining activities on surrounding ecosystems.
Tasks
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
Technology Skills
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Industrial control software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Earthmoving buckets or its parts or accessories
- Mobile excavators
- Flatbed trailers
- Levels
- Draglines
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Depth Perception
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate excavation equipment.
- Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
- Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38080.0 - $77240.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.