Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
On the Job
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators run several types of power equipment. They may operate bulldozers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, or tractors. Their work may involve moving earth, putting up structures, or pouring concrete.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
- Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
- Test air quality at work sites.
- Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
- Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
- Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
- Operate pumps or compressors.
- Operate road-surfacing equipment.
- Monitor construction operations.
- Install equipment attachments or components.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Working in very hot or cold temperatures.
- Working with a group or team.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Serious consequences if mistakes are made.
- A work pace that is determined by the speed of equipment.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
