Profession excavator operator

Excavator operators use excavators to dig into earth or other materials to remove it. They are involved in a variety of projects, such as demolition, dredging, and the of digging holes, foundations and trenches.

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Personality Type

  • Realistic / Enterprising

Knowledge

  • Mechanical systems

    Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

  • Mechanical tools

    Understand machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Excavation techniques

    The methods to remove rock and soil, used in an excavation site and the associated risks.

Skills

  • Drive mobile heavy construction equipment

    Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Keep heavy construction equipment in good condition

    Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.

  • Inspect construction sites

    Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

  • React to events in time-critical environments

    Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.

  • Operate excavator

    Operate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.

  • Use safety equipment in construction

    Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

  • Level earth surface

    Change the profile of the earth surface, turning it flat or shaping it to match a certain slope. Remove irregularities such as knolls, pits and ditches.

  • Recognise the hazards of dangerous goods

    Be aware of the threats posed by potentially dangerous goods such as polluting, toxic, corrosive, or explosive materials.

  • Prevent damage to utility infrastructure

    Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.

  • Supply machine with appropriate tools

    Supply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose.

  • Dig sewer trenches

    Prepare trenches for sewer pipes. Dig judiciously according to plans, avoiding underground utility infrastructure. Brace the trench to prevent compaction of the sewer pipe. Fill the trench after the pipes have been installed.

  • Operate GPS systems

    Use GPS Systems.

  • Dig soil mechanically

    Use mechanical equipment to dig up and move soil. Form pits according to excavation plans.

  • Follow health and safety procedures in construction

    Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

Optional knowledge and skills

keep records of work progress operate road roller sort waste secure heavy construction equipment operate grader follow safety procedures when working at heights operate construction scraper perform minor repairs to equipment electricity machinery load capacity set up temporary construction site infrastructure operate heavy construction machinery without supervision test soil load bearing capacity transport construction supplies interpret 2d plans keep personal administration interpret 3d plans monitor stock level operate bulldozer work in a construction team

Common job titles

  • Heavy equipment operators/foremen/superintendents
  • Heavy equipment operator
  • Blue top motor grader / dozer operator (experienced heavy equipment)
  • Machine operator
  • Heavy equipment operators - blue toppers/foremen/superintendents
  • Equipment operators
  • Equipment operator
  • Excavator operator