Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
What is a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate and control heavy machinery and equipment used in construction projects. These operators play a crucial role in the building and maintenance of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Their work involves a variety of tasks, such as grading land, excavating, lifting materials, and paving surfaces. They typically operate machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, and graders, often working in teams with other construction workers to complete projects efficiently and safely. The role requires a strong understanding of machine functions, safety protocols, and site operations. Operating engineers often undergo extensive training and may hold certifications to ensure they are proficient in their operation of equipment and familiar with industry regulations.
Tasks
- 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.
- Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Facilities management software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
Tools Used
- Dump trucks
- Hydraulic truck cranes
- Power saws
- Scrubbing machines
- Water trucks
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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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 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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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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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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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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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Some college, no degree
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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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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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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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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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Update job related knowledge or skills.
- Position construction or extraction equipment.
- Monitor construction operations.
- Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
- Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
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.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38410.0 - $95570.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.