Surface Mining Excavating Machine, Loading Machine, and Dragline Operators handle or tend machinery at surface mining sites. They use vehicles and tools equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
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- Surface Mining Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
Architecture and Construction
What do they typically do
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications
- 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
- Drive machines to work sites
- Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth -0.5%
Job Openings 3
Education & Training
- Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
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