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.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Enterprising

Knowledge

• Mechanical tools

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

• Mechanical systems

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

• Excavation techniques

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

Skills

• 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.

• 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.

• Supply machine with appropriate tools

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

• Recognise the hazards of dangerous goods

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

• 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.

• Dig soil mechanically

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Operate GPS systems

  Use GPS Systems.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB