Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators

Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.

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

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • 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.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.

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