Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

What the job really is

Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5022
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

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

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Adjustable wrenches, Air grease guns, Asphalt plants, Backhoes, Claw hammers, Compact excavators

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Construction Laborers
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Continuous Mining Machine Operators
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.