• Working outdoors wearing appropriate safety and protective equipment
• Performing pre-operational checks of equipment and basic maintenance on track or rubber tire undercarriage, buckets, and attachments; lubricating equipment components and attachments; completing and maintaining equipment log sheets and reports; operating equipment safely via hand signals, radio communication, and the use of occupant safety devices
• Assessing job site conditions and performing site planning
• Acquiring and using knowledge of earthmoving fundamentals (soil characteristics, ground conditions, map reading), as well as relevant safety acts and various codes and bylaws
• Working cooperatively and communicating effectively with supervisors and co-workers
• Continuously learning about new techniques/equipment to maximize safety and productivity

• Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but a secondary school diploma is generally required
• While not mandatory, apprenticeship training is recommended; completion of 2,260 hours includes on-the-job and in-school training
• Some employers require internal company certification

• Generally full-time in construction sector; may have to travel to job sites away from home
• Typical employers include municipal governments, highway and heavy construction firms, steel producers, mining and logging companies, quarry companies, and construction firms

Apprentice wage starts lower than a journeyperson's and increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $30.00-$41.89 per hour. 

Heavy Equipment Operator (636 A/B/C)

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator (636 A/B/C) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

• Mobile Crane Operator
• Tower Crane Operator
• Construction Craftworker
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic