Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Core tasks

1. 01Learn and follow safety regulations.
2. 02Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
3. 03Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
4. 04Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
5. 05Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
6. 06Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

• Repeating same tasks2.39
• Degree of automation1.32
• Time sitting3.16
• Originality (ability)2.12
• Conflict situations2.82
• Hands-on objects/tools4.65
• Outdoors / weather5.00
• Disease exposure1.15
• Decision freedom4.01

Top abilities

• Control Precision4.12
• Depth Perception4.00
• Near Vision3.88
• Multilimb Coordination3.88
• Far Vision3.62
• Rate Control3.50
• Reaction Time3.38
• Response Orientation3.25

Essential skills

• Reading Comprehension2.88
• Active Listening3.00
• Writing2.00
• Speaking2.88
• Mathematics2.00
• Science1.50
• Critical Thinking2.88
• Active Learning2.88
• Learning Strategies2.12
• Monitoring3.12