An Excavator Operator is a professional who operates heavy machinery known as excavators to perform various tasks such as digging trenches, demolishing structures, and moving materials on construction sites. These operators play a critical role in ensuring efficient and safe excavation operations. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Excavator Operators.

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Main Responsibilities of an Excavator Operator

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Excavator Operator:

Accept

Accept direction from the Field Supervisor and / or Project Manager as required.

Adhere to

• Adhere to environmental regulations and guidelines.

• Adhere to instructions of supervisors and managers.

• Adhere to safety policies and procedures.

Assess

Assess situational risk and mitigate safety and environmental concerns.

Assist with

• Assist ground crew with labour duties as necessary.

• Assist in the analysis of process improvements and development of solutions.

• Assist in the installation of drainage systems and pipelines.

• Assist other employees when required.

• Assist the fuel driver in fueling your equipment.

• Assist with equipment servicing.

• Assist with major repairs as necessary.

Attend

• Attend and participate in toolbox and safety committee meetings as scheduled.

• Attend daily and weekly safety meetings and inspections.

• Attend weekly tool-box talks and all other company safety meetings.

Calculate

Calculate weight, distance, volume and length measurements.

Carry

• Carry and use trade associated tools, equipment, or material up to a weight of 95 pounds.

• Carry out minor maintenance and inspection for equipment and report deficiencies.

Clean

• Clean and lubricate equipment and refill equipment tanks.

• Clean, lubricate and perform routine maintenance.

• Clean heavy equipment as required.

Clear

Clear and prepare construction sites for building projects.

Climb

Climb up and down from equipment either to operate it or to perform routine maintenance checks.

Collaborate

Collaborate with any project teams on other special initiatives, as required.

Communicate

• Communicate effectively and professionally with other team members.

• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.

• Communicate professionally and respectfully with customers, office staff and co-workers.

Complete

• Complete daily equipment inspections.

• Complete daily preventative maintenance checks on equipment.

• Complete hazard assessments and attend bi-weekly safety meeting.

• Complete onboard and other logs.

• Complete production reporting and other documentation as required.

Conduct

• Conduct extensive Pre / Post use inspections on equipment.

• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment, and clean, lubricate and refill equipment as necessary.

• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment, secure special attachments to equipment.

• Conduct Pre-trip and Post trip checks on equipment.

• Conduct trench work, which meets OH&S requirements.

Coordinate

• Coordinate with ground crew and other equipment operators.

• Coordinate with supervisors to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate proper lifting and handling techniques.

Drive

Drive and control the equipment on transport rigs.

Eliminate

Eliminate WASTE such as waiting, rework, transporting, material storage and time.

Ensure

• Ensure a safe team environment.

• Ensure a sound understanding of the issues involving ground disturbance.

• Ensure proper positioning and stability of the excavator before operation.

• Ensure that work is completed during regular hours.

• Ensure the safety of the crew, equipment, and environment.

• Ensure the trench is excavated to the proper grade and depth.

• Ensure trench is excavated to the proper depth / grade.

Excavate

Excavate around utilities and other underground structures with precision.

Execute

Execute high volume production.

Feel

Feel levers and listen to equipment sounds to determine depth of the cut.

Fill

• Fill out and understand an equipment logbook.

• Fill out daily equipment check lists.

Follow

• Follow all health and safety policies and procedures.

• Follow directions of ground crew regarding craning, gravel placement, and grading.

• Follow directions that are spoken or given by hand signals.

• Follow project plans and specifications for excavation work.

• Follow rules and safety policies.

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines during excavation operations.

• Follow the outline of company policies and procedures.

Gain

Gain awareness of, and contribute to implementing industry best practices.

Grade

Grade and level terrain using the excavator blade.

Handle

Handle and transport materials safely around the job site.

Help

Help maintain and promote a high company moral, professional and friendly work environment.

Identify

Identify any underground and overhead utilities prior to beginning work.

Inspect

• Inspect equipment before and after each use.

• Inspect the work vehicles and keep them organized and stocked for days work.

Install

Install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

Keep

• Keep equipment clean from dirt and excess grease.

• Keep records of material and equipment usage and problems encountered.

• Keep work areas clean and organized.

Load

• Load and unload heavy equipment in a secure and damage free manner.

• Load and unload materials using the excavator bucket.

• Load and unload trailers safely.

• Load piles on trailers or trucks (must be in good physical condition).

• Load and unload materials from various bins, dumps, trailers, and rail cars.

• Load, unload and move products and materials by hand or with basic material handling equipment.

Locate

Locate underground services, such as pipes, wires, prior to beginning work.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of work hours and tasks performed.

• Maintain positive working relationships with all members of the crew.

• Maintain proper fuel and fluid levels in the excavator.

• Maintain the following tools to make minor repairs and adjustments.

Maneuver

Maneuver excavator equipment to dig trenches.

Monitor

• Monitor excavation depth and slope to prevent accidents.

• Monitor surrounding areas for hazards and obstructions.

Move

• Move in and around confined, cluttered and uneven areas.

• Move lever to raise and tilt bucket when filled, or to dump material.

• Move tools, equipment and construction materials to and from work areas.

Operate

• Operate and maintain excavator in a safe and efficient manner.

• Operate an excavator safely and efficiently.

• Operate computer controlled equipment.

• Operate equipment in a safe manner be willing to comply with safety commitments.

• Operate equipment while maintaining proper awareness of surroundings.

• Operate excavator attachments such as breakers and grapples.

• Operate excavator controls to dig and move earth and debris.

• Operate Excavator on public or private roadways, maintaining proper awareness of ones surroundings.

• Operate Excavator while maintaining proper awareness of one's surroundings.

• Operate heavy construction equipment to move, load or unload materials.

• Operate heavy equipment, clean and lubricate equipment and refill equipment tanks.

• Operate heavy equipment safely.

• Operate Hoe on public roadways, maintaining proper awareness of ones surroundings.

• Operate hydraulic pumping systems.

• Operate mini excavators and back hoes.

• Operate other heavy equipment and other construction-related duties as required.

• Operate other heavy equipment consistent with skill level and training.

• Operate railway machinery and / or foreman position.

• Operate Skid and Excavator.

• Operate the equipment in the right direction and angles to prevent accidents and damage of property.

• Operate the excavator and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.

• Operate the excavator and other heavy equipment in a safe manner.

• Operate the excavator in a safe and appropriate manner.

• Operate the excavator in various weather and ground conditions.

• Operate two-way radios and other communication equipment.

• Operate two-way radios and other communication equipment, perform minor repairs to equipment.

Own

• Own transportation is required as some work sites may not be accessible by public transportation.

• Own transportation to and from the job site in the greater Edmonton area.

Participate

• Participate in all required staff meetings and training.

• Participate in safety training and meetings.

Perform

• Perform a variety of general construction work as required on the job site.

• Perform breaking and removals in congested project locations.

• Perform daily checks on equipment.

• Perform daily inspections to ensure proper machine functionality.

• Perform daily maintenance and safety checks of equipment.

• Perform daily routine maintenance on equipment.

• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on the equipment.

• Perform daily service and preventative maintenance on dozer equipment.

• Perform effective operation of equipment by recognizing unusual machine movements and sounds.

• Perform equipment safety, maintenance checks and routine repairs.

• Perform minor maintenance tasks such as lubrication, blade alignment and tensioning.

• Perform minor repairs to equipment.

• Perform pre and post trip inspections which requires climbing on equipment.

• Perform pretrips and FLHA prior to working.

• Perform preventive maintenance tasks on Equipment.

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth operation of the Excavator.

• Perform routine cleaning of Tracks / cab to ensure smooth operation of the excavator.

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on the excavator.

Plan

Plan and execute operation activities to ensure no delays to the ground crew or operators.

Present

Present a valid drivers license and current copy of your driving record.

Produce

Produce high quality work, safely and productively at all times.

Provide

• Provide a clean driver's abstract.

• Provide feedback to ensure all materials, tools, equipment and information is available for the work.

Push

Push other equipment when extra traction or assistance if required.

Read

• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications.

• Read and interpret ground markings to ensure proper depth to grade is followed.

• Read grade plans and understand grade stakes.

• Read grade plans and use grade stakes in measuring the amount of earth to be moved.

Remove

Remove rubble and other debris.

Repair

Repair and maintain equipment, making emergency adjustments as necessary.

Report

• Report all breakdowns immediately.

• Report any safety concerns or incidents to supervisors.

• Report incidents, injuries and near misses and participates in the investigative process.

• Report to Foreman for tasks and duties.

Respond to

• Respond promptly to equipment malfunctions and mechanical issues.

• Respond to signals and directions by the staff and work in coordination with them.

• Respond well to training and direction from the Field Supervisor.

Secure

• Secure and stable long-term employment - NO Seasonal Layoff.

• Secure special attachments to equipment.

Sort

Sort and process materials to customer specifications using the bucket and thumb.

Take

• Take directions from the Foreman or in their absence their designated appointee.

• Take pride in safe and efficient operations on a surface pit mining and dam raising site.

Train

Train new employees in the safe and efficient operation of the excavator.

Transport

Transport cargo and / or equipment utilizing various combinations of truck and trailer.

Understand

• Understand and complete pre and post safety checks.

• Understand and follow directions from supervisors as to required work area.

• Understand, interpret and follow directions from supervisors as to required work area.

Use

• Use of multiple attachments.

• Use the Excavator to level soil, move rock, debris and material.

• Use various types of equipment to move and install material.

Utilize

Utilize material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Work

• Work in adherence to safe practices, procedures, work site or traffic laws.

• Work in all types of weather conditions or climate, unless there is an immediate threat of danger.

• Work independently and as part of a team.

• Work under minimal supervision.

• Work up to a 12 hour shift doing hard physical work in varying temperatures and outside conditions.

• Work well in team setting.

• Work well with other team members and follow direction.

• Work will be primarily outdoors in various weather conditions.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Excavator Operator:

1. Proficiency in operating various types of excavators.

2. Knowledge of excavator controls and functions.

3. Ability to read and interpret construction plans and blueprints.

4. Understanding of excavation techniques and best practices.

5. Familiarity with safety regulations and protocols.

6. Skill in performing routine maintenance and repairs on excavators.

7. Ability to operate excavator attachments effectively.

8. Knowledge of soil types and their impact on excavation operations.

9. Competence in grading and leveling terrain using the excavator blade.

10. Understanding of hydraulic systems and components.

11. Experience with GPS and laser-guided excavation technology.

12. Ability to assess ground conditions and make adjustments accordingly.

13. Proficiency in backfilling and compacting soil.

14. Familiarity with trenching and shoring techniques.

15. Skill in operating the excavator in confined spaces.

16. Knowledge of OSHA regulations and excavation safety standards.

17. Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues.

18. Understanding of load capacities and weight distribution.

19. Experience with excavation in urban and rural settings.

20. Competence in operating the excavator on slopes and uneven terrain.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Excavator Operator:

1. Attention to detail in excavation operations.

2. Communication skills for coordinating with team members.

3. Adaptability to changing work conditions and project requirements.

4. Problem-solving abilities to address unexpected challenges.

5. Time management skills to meet project deadlines.

6. Decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.

7. Teamwork and collaboration in a construction environment.

8. Accountability for equipment performance and safety.

9. Stress management to handle demanding workloads.

10. Integrity and professionalism in all aspects of the job.

Conclusion

Excavator Operators play a crucial role in construction projects, ensuring that excavation work is carried out safely, efficiently, and according to specifications. By possessing a combination of technical expertise and soft skills, Excavator Operators contribute to the success and timely completion of construction endeavors.