Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• 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.
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
• Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
• Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
• Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
• Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
• Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
• Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
• Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
• Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
• Drive machines to work sites.
• Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
• Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
• Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)