Excavating / Loading Machine / Dragline Operator / Surface Mining

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Backhoe Operator; Dragline Oiler; Dragline Operator; Equipment Operator; Excavator Operator; Heavy Equipment Operator; Loader Operator; Pit Operator; Track Hoe Operator

Tasks

• Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
• Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
• Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and 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.

Knowledge

• Building and Construction
• Mechanical

Skills

• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Control Precision
• Multilimb Coordination
• Depth Perception
• Manual Dexterity
• Reaction Time
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Response Orientation
• Rate Control
• Far Vision
• Spatial Orientation
• Near Vision
• Finger Dexterity
• Auditory Attention
• Peripheral Vision
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Time Sharing
• Speed of Limb Movement
• Static Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Speech Clarity