Equipment Operator

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.

Educational Requirements

for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
The typical entry level education for this occupation is a high school diploma or equivalent. Those with a postsecondary training (non-degree) have a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Knowledge

Examples of the knowledge needed for success in this occupation is listed below, in order of importance.
  • 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.
  • Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

Examples of the skills needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Operation and Control: Using equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

Abilities

Examples of the abilities needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Control Precision: Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  • Depth Perception: Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
  • Multilimb Coordination: Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  • Near Vision: Seeing details up close.
  • Far Vision: Seeing details that are far away.

Detailed Work Activities

Examples of the detailed work activities involved with this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Update job related knowledge or skills.
  • Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
  • Monitor construction operations.
  • Position construction or extraction equipment.
  • Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.