Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Heavy Equipment Operator
A Heavy Equipment Operator is a professional who operates and controls heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and other industries. These skilled individuals play a vital role in various projects, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and more. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Heavy Equipment Operators.
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Main Responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Operator
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Operator:
Abide by
Abide by all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as all company safety procedures.
Adhere to
Adhere to all Company safety rules and universal precautions.
Adhere to all safety rules, guidelines, and codes.
Adhere to company policies and guidelines.
Adhere to project timelines and meet deadlines.
Adhere to safety policies and procedures to include proper use of personal protective equipment.
Adhere to workplace safety policies, regulations and compliance.
Assist in
Assist in the assembly and disassembly of equipment.
Assist pipelayers and labourers with pipe installation.
Assist with labour work where needed.
Assist with physical inspections of plant property / departments.
Assist with plant tasks including lubrication, maintenance, repairs.
Assist with repairs as needed.
Assume
Assume the role of the excavation coordinator as it pertains to TC Energy operating procedures.
Attend
Attend daily and weekly safety meetings and inspections.
Avoid
Avoid hazards such as utility lines and falling objects.
Care
Care and control of the operating equipment.
Clean
Clean and lubricate equipment and refill equipment tanks.
Clean and maintain equipment to ensure longevity.
Clean equipment as scheduled and / or required.
Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and / or required.
Clean, lubricate and fuel all equipment and general site housekeeping.
Coach
Coach, monitor and mentor less experienced equipment operators.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with other workers on construction projects.
Communicate with
Communicate effectively and professionally with other team members.
Communicate effectively with crew via hand signals and radio communications.
Communicate updates to your supervisor to ensure that you meet all goals and objectives.
Communicate with co-workers & foreman.
Communicate with dispatch, operations, and plant personnel using cellular telephone or 2-way radio.
Communicate with drivers regarding unloading locations predetermined by the supervisor / manager.
Communicate with site Foreman about job requirements.
Communicate with supervisors and team members regarding project progress.
Communicate with supervisor throughout the job process.
Complete
Complete and pass a drug, alcohol and fit for work test.
Complete client site-specific training as required.
Complete daily equipment checks and daily inspection logs.
Complete Dignity University courses and other training as assigned.
Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary.
Complete inspection report prior to using equipment.
Complete onboard and other logs.
Complete required daily logs and prepares reports.
Conduct
Conduct 25 foot radius preparation for burials.
Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and clean, lubricate and refill equipment.
Conduct pre-start checks to ensure proper functionality.
Dig
Dig trenches, ditches, and foundations.
Dig trenches for pool construction projects with an excavator.
Direct
Direct activities and may provide work direction to other staff.
Document
Document regular maintenance checks to maintain adequate records of equipment performance.
Ensure
Ensure a safe team environment.
Ensure burials, entombments and inurnments are securely and carefully opened and closed.
Ensure equipment is functioning properly & be able to complete some minor repairs.
Ensure health and safety regulations are followed.
Ensure proper operation of equipment by performing regular checks on their functionality.
Ensure proper storage and maintenance of equipment when not in use.
Ensure that any debris caused by the loading / unloading of truck is cleaned up.
Ensure that material is properly protected from the outdoor elements.
Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
Ensure the safe operation of equipment.
Ensure work is being completed in a safe a diligent manner.
Estimate
Estimate costs and materials.
Excavate
Excavate and move materials, such as earth, rock, and debris.
Excavator
Excavator, dozer, backhoe, loader, compactor, and rock truck.
Excavator (Finish, Bulk, GPS).
Execute
Execute preventative maintenance task.
Float
Float equipment to and from the jobsite.
Follow
Follow all legislation and regulations set out by the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Follow all workplace safety policies, compliance regulations, and participate in identifying hazards.
Follow appropriate standard operating procedures as guideline for operating and maintaining vehicle.
Follow environmental regulations and minimize impact on surroundings.
Follow instructions of Site Superintendents and project guidelines.
Follow safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulations.
Handle
Handle various types of Heavy Equipment in any Class between 1 and 7.
Identify
Identify and avoid potential hazards and obstructions while operating.
Identify and communicate any safety concerns through training, site inspections and assessments.
Identify and report any safety hazards or potential risks.
Inspect
Inspect and perform routine preventative maintenance on equipment and vehicles.
Install
Install memorials and markers.
Install or assists in installing equipment attachments.
Install outer burial containers.
Interpret
Interpret and Read Blueprints.
Interpret blueprints and project specifications.
Interpret locates, stakeouts, drawings and schematics.
Keep
Keep machine and associated equipment tidy and in good working order.
Lead
Lead by example and take constructive criticism well.
Level
Level and grade surfaces for construction or landscaping projects.
Load
Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers.
Load and unload materials using machinery.
Load material into baler, operate baler controls.
Load trucks and other job preparation activities.
Maintain
Maintain a basic knowledge of mechanical systems of all equipment.
Maintain accurate records.
Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used.
Maintain a professional and clean appearance.
Maintain a professional and positive attitude on the job site.
Maintain cleanliness of plant work areas.
Maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.
Maintain in a clean and good working order after each use.
Maintain inventory of tools and equipment.
Maintain proper equipment appearance and cleanliness.
Maintain records of time worked and materials used.
Maintain safe working conditions for all present in immediate area.
Manage
Manage multiple tasks and set priorities to meet project deadlines.
Maneuver
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions.
Monitor
Monitor equipment constantly to ensure proper running condition in order to avoid down time.
Monitor equipment gauges and indicators for optimal performance.
Observe
Observe and report any safety issues.
Observe roadway courtesies in the performance of assigned duties.
Operate
Operate 1200 and 1900 excavators.
Operate 40-ton trash trucks including hydraulic equipment such as tail gates, hoppers, and packers.
Operate according to the company's safety standards.
Operate and drive tandem dump truck with or without tag trailer to transport equipment.
Operate and perform preventative maintenance and minor repair on heavy equipment.
Operate an excavator to complete civil works such as.
Operate backhoe and front end loaders as required.
Operate computer controlled equipment.
Operate different size machines.
Operate Equipment near and around above and below ground facilities.
Operate equipment on various terrains and in different weather conditions.
Operate equipment safely near other workers and structures.
Operate equipment while maintaining proper awareness of surroundings.
Operate equipment with precision and accuracy.
Operate forklifts and dump trucks to transport trash and materials.
Operate heavy equipment according to project requirements.
Operate heavy equipment (excavators / loaders / dozers / skid steers).
Operate heavy equipment for the construction project.
Operate Heavy Equipment (Grader, Excavator, Skid Steer, Loader, Backhoe, Trencher).
Operate heavy equipment in compliance with the company's operating safety policies and procedures.
Operate heavy equipment safely.
Operate heavy equipments in compliance with the company operating safety policies and procedures.
Operate heavy equipment such as, excavators, loaders, shredders.
Operate heavy equipment to move, load and unload materials.
Operate heavy motorized equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Operate Heavy or Specialized equipment.
Operate hydraulic pumping systems.
Operate locomotive in safe and efficient manner.
Operate mobile equipment on plant property (loader, haul truck, water truck, etc.).
Operate scrapers in a safe and efficient manner.
Operate skids steers, back hoes, and excavators.
Operate two-way radios and other communication equipment.
Operate various makes and models of haul trucks.
Operate with honesty, integrity and respect.
Oversee
Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes and other equipment.
Participate in
Participate in and contribute to daily job site hazard assessments and weekly safety meetings.
Participate in routine maintenance.
Perform
Perform and document daily inspections of assigned equipment.
Perform and document evaluations of mechanical systems of all equipment.
Perform at a high and safe level of productivity.
Perform daily inspections of scrapers prior to operation.
Perform daily maintenance and cleaning activities.
Perform daily routine maintenance on equipment.
Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
Perform duties of Helper / Attendant, Equipment Operator and Heavy Equipment Operator.
Perform general housekeeping to ensure equipment is clean and operating properly.
Perform housekeeping tasks and other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Perform light maintenance on heavy equipment (i.e. grease, fuel, shovel tracks).
Perform minor repairs on equipment issues.
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Perform or requests necessary repairs and adjustments to equipment.
Perform pre-mobilization & site equipment inspections as required.
Perform pre-operation checks on al equipment.
Perform routine inspections and maintenance checks on machinery.
Perform routine maintenance such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning.
Perform snow removal and salting to parking lots, sidewalks, pathways, platforms etc..
Perform trip inspections on equipment operated and load, ensuring safety and roadworthiness.
Prepare
Prepare and load material in containers, trucks and rail cars for shipments.
Prepare graves and maintain cemetery grounds.
Present
Present professional appearance and demeanor.
Promote
Promote continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
Provide
Provide a safe work environment through continuous training and development.
Provide assistance to other workers as needed.
Provide excellent customer service as a representative of the Valard brand.
Provide Overall assistance to crews doing various tasks to ensure timely project completion.
Provide recommendations for maintaining and improving environmental performance.
Read
Read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
Read and interpret grades and construction drawings.
Read and understand locates prior to excavation.
Read grade plans and use grade stakes in measuring the amount of earth to be moved.
Read / interpret blueprints, maps, drawings, specifications.
Recommend
Recommend personnel actions.
Record
Record inspection information, hours and any breakdowns.
Record safety hazards and traffic problems.
Report
Report any incidents to Supervisor.
Report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
Report any necessary repairs to the maintenance team or supervisors.
Report broken or damaged equipment to Manager.
Report defects, accidents or violations.
Report need for major repair to supervisor and mechanics.
Report needs for larger repairs to the appropriate parties.
Report serious mechanical problems to the maintenance department.
Report to assigned branch, or location within time frame given.
Supervise
Supervise workers and projects.
Support
Support company environmental, health, safety, security practices and policies.
Support on-site coordination of manpower, materials, and equipment to complete the project.
Support the team in other general pipeline maintenance activities as required.
Sweep
Sweep, dig, and move material at yard / jobsite.
Teach
Teach and explain safe and efficient work practices / policies / procedures.
Train
Train new employees in the safe and efficient operation of the Loader.
Train or arrange for training.
Transport
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites.
Transport materials to and from storage and shop areas.
Transport vehicles and equipment over land to and from job sites throughout Colorado.
Travel
Travel to various construction sites within and around Ottawa to operate machinery.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and exercise preventative maintenance, ensure equipment greased / fueled.
Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform minor repairs.
Understand
Understand and complete pre and post safety checks.
Use
Use attachments and specialized tools for specific tasks.
Use GPS and other technology for precise equipment operation.
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
Use of hand tools and power tools.
Use Top Pick to assemble, stack, unstack, reposition, and transfer containers on / off chassis.
Utilize
Utilize material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Verify
Verify the equipment is in working order through daily pre- and post inspections.
Work
Work and follow instructions given by crew foreman and superintendents.
Work as part of a team to complete projects in a safe, responsible, and timely manner.
Work closely with and under the direction of a foreman or superintendent.
Work outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions.
Work outside year-round in all types of weather.
Work safely during all phases of performing the job duties required in the field.
Work together as a team to accomplish the project goals.
Work together with other team members, and transportation companies.
Work will be outdoors in rough terrain and occasionally under extreme weather conditions.
Work will be outdoors in rough terrain and under extreme weather conditions.
Work will be primarily outdoors in various weather conditions.
Work within the safety parameters as outlined in the company safety manual.
Work with minimal supervision and direction.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Heavy Equipment Operator:
Proficiency in operating various types of heavy machinery.
Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair techniques.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and project specifications.
Familiarity with different excavation and grading techniques.
Competence in using attachments and specialized tools.
Understanding of safety regulations and protocols.
Knowledge of equipment controls and functions.
Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and minor repairs.
Proficiency in using GPS and other technology for precise operations.
Skill in operating machinery on different terrains and in varying conditions.
Familiarity with environmental regulations and best practices.
Ability to transport equipment to and from job sites.
Knowledge of rigging and hoisting procedures.
Competence in following project timelines and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in using communication devices and systems.
Skill in working collaboratively with other team members.
Familiarity with material handling and loading techniques.
Ability to identify and report equipment malfunctions or hazards.
Knowledge of record-keeping and documentation procedures.
Competence in using computer software for equipment monitoring and reporting.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Heavy Equipment Operator:
Strong communication skills for effective collaboration and coordination.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Adaptability and flexibility to work in various project environments.
Attention to detail for precise and accurate equipment operation.
Physical stamina and endurance to withstand long hours and challenging conditions.
Reliability and punctuality to meet project schedules.
Teamwork and interpersonal skills for effective communication on the job site.
Critical thinking and situational awareness to ensure safety.
Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks effectively.
Professionalism and a positive attitude towards work and colleagues.
Conclusion
Becoming a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator requires a combination of technical expertise, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication and teamwork. By mastering the main responsibilities and developing the required hard and soft skills, professionals in this field can contribute to successful and efficient construction projects.
