What does an Excavator Operator do?
An excavator operator or heavy equipment operator uses machines to excavate, clear, move, load and unload materials or cargo. Excavator operators may also use power shovels to excavate rock, ore or other materials from quarries or construction pits. Before using their heavy machinery, they ensure everything is safe and that the machinery is operating correctly. They also consult with blueprints, designs or drawings of what is needed on the job.
Excavator Operators’ skills and qualifications
A successful excavator operator or heavy equipment operator will have the following skills and qualifications:
- Technical knowledge of how to properly use equipment needed for the job.
- Expert knowledge of the types of materials being moved, dug, loaded or unloaded.
- Excellent oral communication skills with close attention to detail.
- Knowledge of how to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, designs
- Understanding of how to conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and how to maintain them.
- Understanding of all safety requirements for the job site.
Excavator Operators experience requirements
A successful candidate for an excavator operator or heavy equipment operator position should have experience working with excavators or heavy equipment. They also need experience working on construction sites, mines, logging facilities or cargo bays. Expertise in maintaining heavy machinery or excavators is a must, as well as experience interpreting drawings, blueprints or designs for a project.
Excavator Operators’ education and training requirements
Excavator operators or heavy equipment operators work with specialized heavy equipment and typically have successfully completed secondary school or the equivalent. They must also have completed a one-to-two-year apprenticeship program or some college or industrial course on heavy equipment operating and on-the-job training. Some employers require an internal certification for excavation or heavy equipment operation, while a trade certificate is mandatory in Quebec.
Excavator Operator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an excavation operator is $30.83 per hour. Salaries for excavator operators may vary depending on experience, location and company.
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Excavator Operator Job Description FAQs
What qualities make a good excavator operator?
A good excavator operator or heavy equipment operator is someone who has expert knowledge on how to use the equipment. They should also be able to understand designs, plans or drawings that indicate the requirements of the job. An excavator operator should also know to maintain the equipment and keep a safe work environment.
What are the day-to-day duties of an excavator operator?
Excavator operators or heavy equipment operators use their equipment to dig, load, unload or move different materials or cargo. They consult with other excavator operators or construction foremen on what they are to do to get the project’s requirements done efficiently. They also conduct pre-operational checks of their equipment to ensure the work site’s safety.
What should you look for in an excavator operator resume?
When looking at an excavator operator or heavy equipment operator’s resume, you want to look at what type of experience they have. Some heavy equipment operators might have only used one type of machinery, and it is good to know what their experience will allow them to do. You should also know how much experience they have, as this will help you determine if you can hire them or not. If you need someone who does not need training, you should look for someone who has been doing the job for a long time.
What makes a good excavator operator job description?
A good excavator operator job description will describe what type of projects you work on. For example, applicants will need to know if they will be working on a building construction site or working on road repair. This clarity will help candidates decide if the job is right for them.
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