Heavy Equipment Operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and in surface mining and quarrying activities, including backhoes, loaders, graders, dozers, and excavators. Heavy equipment operator specializations include Tractor Loader Backhoe Operator (636A), Excavator Operator (636B), and Dozer Operator (636C).
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- 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
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- 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
What's Your Future as a Heavy Equipment Operator (636 A/B/C)?
- 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
Wage Rate
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.
Self-Rating
Heavy Equipment Operator (636 A/B/C)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have good hand-eye coordination? | ||
| Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights? | ||
| Do you have a driver's license and a good driving record? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Are you comfortable with traveling for work? | ||
| Are you interested in gaining knowledge of earthmoving fundamentals, soils and soils testing, soil compaction, land clearing and surveying? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you start and finish work on time? |
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
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