Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $39,830
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (71%); Less than high school diploma (23%); Post-secondary certificate (6%)
Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)
Related Job Titles: Heavy Equipment Operator; Equipment Operator; Loader Operator; Track Hoe Operator; Excavator Operator; Operator; Dragline Operator; Backhoe Operator; Dragline Oiler; Pit Operator
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with 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.
- Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- 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.
- Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.
