What does a Heavy Equipment Operator do?
By performing their job duties, a Heavy Equipment Operator allows work to get done on jobsites that otherwise couldn’t be completed. They contribute to the success of road maintenance and construction projects by driving equipment. The inspection and maintenance tasks performed by Heavy Equipment Operators helps ensure worksite safety for the operator and the rest of your team. As a result, their actions may cut down on work time lost due to accidents and reduce your company’s exposure to legal liability. In addition, their cleaning and maintenance duties may help extend the life of machinery and reduce the need for emergency repairs and replacements.
Heavy Equipment Operator skills and qualifications
To perform well in Heavy Equipment Operator careers, candidates need to possess certain skills. Some qualifications that can indicate quality candidates are:
- Knowledge of safety protocols and the procedures used to control heavy equipment
- Coordination to use all the controls on pieces of equipment
- Possessing enough strength to operate the controls on heavy equipment
- Ability to remain stationary in the seat or operating area of the equipment for prolonged periods
- Problem-solving skills to diagnose issues with equipment
- Strong oral communication skills to interact with other workers on the jobsite
- Basic writing skills to accurately complete reports and other paperwork
- Good noncommercial driver’s license history to indicate a habit of safe driving
Heavy Equipment Operator experience requirements
How much experience a candidate needs to succeed in a Heavy Equipment Operator position depends on the amount of training your company can provide on the job. If you have the personnel and ability to provide a rigorous training program for new hires, candidates with little to no experience may be able to successfully fill your open position. Otherwise, you may wish to focus on candidates with one or more years of experience operating the specific type of equipment the job requires.
Heavy Equipment Operator education and training requirements
Heavy Equipment Operator careers usually begin with graduating from high school or completing a GED program. Some states and local areas require Heavy Equipment Operators to hold a license. Most licensing programs require prospective Operators to complete a training course and pass both written and practical equipment operating tests. A drug test may also be required for licensure. You may wish to only consider candidates who are already licensed. Those who completed an apprenticeship or hold a certificate or associate degree in heavy equipment technology may possess additional knowledge and skills due to their specialized training.
Heavy Equipment Operator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator is $47,698 per year. Operators may earn more or less depending on their geographic location, training, previous experience and licensing status.
Heavy Equipment Operator salary expectations
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Common salary:
24.03 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.40 -47.55 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If the duties and responsibilities outlined above don’t fully fit the needs of your crew, you may wish to explore descriptions for the following related jobs:
Heavy Equipment Operator job description FAQs
Who does a Heavy Equipment Operator report to?
In most cases, the site’s Construction Foreman serves as the Supervisor for a Heavy Equipment Operator. The Foreman determines the plan of action for each day at the site and gives every member of the construction crew their tasks.
What are the different types of Heavy Equipment Operators?
Heavy Equipment Operator types differ based on the equipment they drive or operate. Some commonly used heavy equipment includes:
- Cranes
- Excavators
- Forklifts
- Bulldozers
- Dump trucks
- Backhoes
- Graders
- Front-end loaders
Depending on their licensing and training, a Heavy Equipment Operator may operate just one or different types of equipment used on a job.
What qualities make a good Heavy Equipment Operator?
A good Heavy Equipment Operator is able to concentrate and remain aware of their surroundings in the face of distractions. Being able to think quickly and work under pressure are important for avoiding accidents and meeting strict deadlines. In addition, a Heavy Equipment Operator should be flexible and adaptable, as conditions at the jobsite and even the tasks scheduled for the day can change with little or no notice.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
