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Heavy Equipment Operator

Other names for this job

Backhoe Operator
Bulldozer Operator
Front-end Loader Operator
Power Shovel Operator
Scraper Operator

Word Meanings

Do you see red words on this page? Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

What do heavy equipment operators do?

Heavy equipment operators use machines to move dirt, materials and equipment. For example, heavy equipment operators use bulldozers, front-end loaders and power shovels. They dig holes and smooth dirt.

Meet a heavy equipment operator

Tim is a heavy equipment operator. He drives and operates a bulldozer, a front-end loader and a backhoe. He works for a construction company.

Here are things that Tim does:

He moves the equipment in different ways. He uses the controls on the machines. For example, he uses switches and foot pedals.
He checks his equipment. He keeps it clean.
His bulldozer has a blade on the front. He uses it to clear rocks and trees off of land. He also uses it to make the dirt smooth.
His front-end loader has a bucket on the front. He can pick up loads of dirt, rocks, sand or snow. Then he moves the loads. Sometimes he puts the loads on the ground. Sometimes he puts the loads into trucks.
He digs with his backhoe. He fills holes in the ground. He also breaks rock.
He might use other types of equipment. For example, a grader, a paver, a power shovel or a scraper.
Tim’s foreperson gives him instructions. Sometimes the foreperson uses hand signals. For example, a signal may mean “Put the load here.”

Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

What is a heavy equipment operator’s work like?

Tim works outside in good and bad weather. His work is seasonal. He works many hours in the spring, summer and fall. Tim often works 12-hour shifts.

Tim’s work is often noisy and dirty. Tim must wear earplugs. They protect his ears. Some equipment has a cab that keeps the dust and heat out.

Sometimes Tim has to work in small, tight or dangerous places. For example, in a tunnel or pit with large machinery, or on the edge of a big hole.

Tim never works alone. He is part of a construction team. Tim must look for hand signals from workers on the ground.

Sometimes Tim has to travel. His company may send him to construction sites in other parts of Alberta.

Do you want to be a heavy equipment operator?

You need to be healthy.
You must be dependable. You must get to work on time. Other workers rely on you.
You must have good eyesight. For example, you need to see the edge of a big hole. You need to see how deep the hole is.
You have to be quick to see a problem. Then you may have to stop or move quickly.
You have to be good at working with machines. Sometimes the machines don’t work well. You may have to make small repairs.
You must understand and speak English well.
You need to be able to follow instructions. For example, instructions from workers on the ground.
You must be careful. You have to pay attention to safety.
You have to be able to work with a team.

What education do heavy equipment operators need?

Heavy equipment operators often learn on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma. Some people start as construction labourers or truck drivers. Then they may become heavy equipment operators.
Some people take courses. They can get a heavy equipment operator certificate.
They often need special skills. For example, how to handle different types of soil.
Some employers want heavy equipment operators to have first aid training and special safety courses.
Heavy equipment operators should have a Class 1 driver’s license.

What can heavy equipment operators do in the future?

Heavy equipment operators can work for many different companies. For example, construction companies, logging companies or pipeline companies. Pipelines carry oil for many kilometres. Heavy equipment operators dig the ground for the pipes.

Some heavy equipment operators start their own business. They may work in landscaping or demolition.

Heavy equipment operators with experience may become supervisors. Some operators may become safety officers.

How much does a heavy equipment operator make?

$20.00

to

$40.24

Per Hour

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

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