what is a heavy equipment operator?
As a heavy equipment operator, you control and operate heavy equipment to assist in various tasks. For instance, you use bulldozers, forklifts and backhoes to assist in the construction of roads, buildings and bridges. You operate equipment for digging and lifting gravel or earth to prepare the foundations for a construction project. Heavy equipment operators can also drive dump trucks or cargo lorries. In the warehouse sector, you use forklifts to load and offload heavy items onto lorries to speed up the process.
You are expected to handle heavy equipment easily and manoeuvre in tight spaces. You also handle regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, greasing, emergency repairs and minor adjustments. As a heavy equipment operator, you perform routine machinery inspections, like pre-operational checks on airbrakes. The routine inspection is important to keep track of the equipment's status and report defects for repairs.
A heavy equipment operator ensures the work site and processes adhere to safety procedures to avoid accidents. For instance, you should understand how each machine works to avoid any situation that presents risks to people or property.
Would working as a heavy equipment operator suit your mechanical skills and ability to focus? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a heavy equipment operator role.
view jobsaverage salary of a heavy equipment operator
According to ONS, the mean heavy equipment operator compensation package in the UK is £23,400 per year. The salary usually fluctuates depending on factors like experience, education and the type of equipment you operate. Minimal experience and qualifications usually attract an entry-level salary of £21,216 per year. Experienced heavy equipment operators take home a salary of £32,175 annually.
Heavy equipment operators can boost their salary prospects by improving their skills and experience. When you are licenced to operate various equipment, you command a higher salary. Your qualifications also determine your earnings. That's why your compensation package increases if you have additional maintenance or repair qualifications.
The industry you work in and the company size also influence your salary. For instance, working in construction improves your salary prospects due to the complexity of the equipment you operate. Industries like warehousing don't involve using complex heavy equipment like excavators. Large companies also pay higher compensation since heavy equipment operators handle more equipment than small and medium-scale businesses.
types of heavy equipment operators
Heavy equipment operators are usually identified based on the type of equipment they operate. They include:
- material moving machine operators: these operators are responsible for moving other equipment, dirt and construction materials using forklifts, dumps and cranes. You also perform repairs and maintenance tasks on the equipment.
- excavator operators: as an excavator operator, you are responsible for digging and loading dirt into dumpers. Excavator operators operate digging equipment, like excavators, backhoes and trenchers.
- paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators: also known as screed operators, these professionals are responsible for laying tarmac, bitumen, concrete roads and car parks. Examples include stone spreader machine operators and tarmac surfacing machine operators.
- bulldozer operators: bulldozer operators are responsible for moving, laying and levelling ground soil.
- pile driver operators: pile driver operators drive piles into hard earth to support large construction projects. They usually assist in constructing foundations for tall buildings, bridges and oil rigs.
- 360 driver operators: your primary role as a 360 driver is to control the excavator and use it to clear work sites for new development projects.
working as a heavy equipment operator
If you are interested in operating heavy machines and equipment, explore the responsibilities and work environments of heavy equipment operators before joining the role.
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heavy equipment operator job description
As a heavy equipment operator, you have many duties beyond handling the machinery. Some of the standard duties of heavy equipment operators include:
- handling machinery: heavy equipment operators handle different machines as stipulated in their job description. You are responsible for maximising the abilities of machines to complete tasks accurately. You use the heavy equipment for loading trucks, digging trenches and moving or lifting heavy loads.
- maintaining equipment: since you are in charge of handling different equipment, you ensure that everything is in good working condition before and after work. To maintain the machinery, you should conduct routine inspections and clean, lubricate and fuel. You are also responsible for carrying out simple repairs like changing brake pads.
- site preparation: you are responsible for clearing and preparing the work site for construction. Your job is to operate bulldozers, dump trucks, rippers and loaders to dig earth and gravel and move them from the construction site so the construction work can commence.
- coordinating with other team members: operating heavy equipment requires keenness and accuracy. You should coordinate with other on-site crew members to achieve high success levels. Since work sites are usually noisy, heavy equipment operators rely on hand signals from banksmen for communication.
- following set rules and regulations: heavy equipment operators' work must comply with all safety regulations. As a heavy equipment operator, you should follow all the set guidelines and procedures to ensure site safety.
- reporting to your superiors: there should be regular communication between team members for things to run smoothly. It is crucial to keep your superiors informed about the state of your equipment. You should also give your expert opinion on the best way to do a job.
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work environment
As a heavy equipment operator, you work in all weather conditions, including heavy rain and high temperatures. Worksites are very noisy, and vibrations from heavy machinery often add to the intensity. Heavy equipment operators work under high-risk conditions. This is because they perform potentially dangerous tasks, such as demolitions, so following safety procedures is crucial. Some equipment operators, especially those working in chemical manufacturing plants, risk exposure to chemicals and fumes that may cause illness. Therefore, they require special gear to protect themselves from toxic substances.
Although work sites are noisy, heavy equipment operators should constantly communicate with each other and their superiors. It is essential to be familiar with the hand signals used on worksites. Remote work is impossible since heavy equipment operators should work on site. However, they regularly travel from one work site to another.
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who are your colleagues?
Some of your colleagues include service technicians, mechanics and maintenance technicians. You may also work with building engineers and project managers, as well as other specialists, including mechanical technicians, civil engineers, electrical engineers, banksmen and construction workers.
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work schedule
If you're employed as a permanent or full-time employee, you work about 40 hours a week. Regular employees only work eight-hour shifts on weekdays and get the weekend off. Some employers offer paid vacations and sick leave to their workers.
The weather can have a huge impact on the work schedule of heavy equipment operators. For example, work may slow down or stop during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or very high temperatures. When the work slows down, you're likely to work longer hours. You may also work longer in fine weather to compensate for time lost due to bad weather.
The demand for heavy equipment operators varies depending on the season. Peak work seasons over the summer months mean more working hours. You sometimes work overtime, especially if there is an urgent need to complete projects fast.
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job outlook
A heavy equipment operator has a promising career in construction and manufacturing industries that require the movement of heavy materials. Most employers prefer candidates with specialised skills in specific equipment. For instance, you can become a crane operator, forklift operator or excavator operator. Other heavy equipment operators specialise and become maintenance technicians or maintenance engineers.
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advantages of finding a heavy equipment operator job through randstad
Finding your heavy equipment operator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a heavy equipment operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You require relevant training to operate heavy-duty equipment, including:
- college course: to become a heavy equipment operator, consider completing a college course in plant operations. For instance, a Level 2 Certificate in construction plant operations or a Level 3 Diploma in construction and built environment equips you with knowledge of operating various construction equipment. Some heavy equipment operators with a driving licence and experience in plant operations enrol in a specialist training course to learn how to operate specific equipment.
- apprenticeship: start your career as a heavy-duty operator with an apprenticeship programme in plant operations. When you complete the intermediate apprenticeship, which takes two years, you receive an NVQ qualification in Level 2 plant operations.
heavy equipment operator skills and competencies
You require the following skills to succeed as a heavy equipment operator:
- ability to operate heavy equipment: you should be familiar with how to handle heavy machines. You should also be a good driver and know how different equipment works.
- mechanical skills and professionalism: you conduct regular inspections and make simple repairs, so you should be well-versed in protocols that guide heavy machine operators. These include operational and safety procedures as well as work ethics.
- problem-solving skills: as a heavy equipment operator, you should develop a sharpness for analysing problems and discovering solutions for them. Problem-solving skills help you avoid delays caused by equipment malfunctions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a heavy equipment operator
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what is the salary for a heavy equipment operator?
A heavy equipment operator earns an average salary of £23,400 per year. The compensation package increases with experience and job complexity. Experienced equipment operators take home £32,175 per year.
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is being a heavy equipment operator a good career?
If you enjoy working with heavy machines, you will love a career as a heavy equipment operator. The role attracts a good salary that goes up with your skills and experience. This job sector has a positive outlook; you are certain of more job opportunities as time passes. You can also grow your skills without limitations.
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what skills do you need to be a heavy equipment operator?
You need good driving and machine operation skills to be a heavy equipment operator. Additionally, your maintenance skills help to keep your equipment in top form. It is also important to be resilient enough to handle an often stressful work environment.
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how do you become a heavy equipment operator in the uk?
You can become a heavy equipment operator in the UK through a college course or an apprenticeship programme. Completing a certificate in plant operations prepares you for the role. If you handle complex equipment, consider completing a specialist course.
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how do I apply for a heavy equipment operator vacancy?
Applying for a heavy equipment operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
