Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators

Also called: Equipment Operator (EO), Heavy Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Operating Engineer

In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.

What they do:

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. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

On the job, you would:

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.

Engineering and Technology

mechanical

Arts and Humanities

English language

Safety and Government

public safety and security

Basic Skills

keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving