Pile Driver Operators
What is a Pile Driver Operator?
Pile Driver Operators are skilled professionals responsible for the operation of pile driving machinery, which is used in construction to drive structural piles into the ground. These machines are typically used to create foundations for buildings, bridges, and other structures, ensuring stability and support. Operators must have a strong understanding of construction principles, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and equipment maintenance. They work closely with engineers and construction crews to ensure that projects are completed accurately and efficiently, often in challenging environments. Pile Driver Operators must be adept at interpreting technical specifications and blueprints, and they must demonstrate precision in their work, as proper pile installation is crucial for the integrity of the structure. In addition to operating machinery, they may also be tasked with setting up equipment, monitoring safety measures, and conducting routine inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. A successful career as a Pile Driver Operator requires a combination of technical skills, physical stamina, and a commitment to safety in an often demanding work environment.
Tasks
- Move hand and foot levers of hoisting equipment to position piling leads, hoist piling into leads, and position hammers over pilings.
- Move levers and turn valves to activate power hammers, or to raise and lower drophammers that drive piles to required depths.
- Drive pilings to provide support for buildings or other structures, using heavy equipment with a pile driver head.
- Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Analytical or scientific software
- GRL Engineers Wave Equation Analysis Program GRLWEAP
- Pile Dynamics Case Pile Wave Analysis Program CAPWAP
- Pile Dynamics Pile Driving Analyzer PDA
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
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Mobile location based services software
- Global positioning system GPS software
Tools Used
- Pile driver tools or its parts or accessories
- Hoists
- Slings
- Pile drivers
- Two way radios
Knowledge
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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.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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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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Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
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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.
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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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)
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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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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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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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Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
- Position structural components.
- Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
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
$40840.0 - $109030.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.