Mining Equipment Operators
Overview
Mining equipment operators control massive machines like excavators, draglines, and power shovels to dig, move, and load materials at mining sites. You'll operate these powerful machines using joysticks, pedals, and digital controls while following safety protocols and reading construction plans. The job combines technical skills with hands-on work, including equipment maintenance and site preparation. Many operators start with vocational training or apprenticeships and work in collaborative teams at outdoor job sites.
Did you know?
Operators must complete extensive safety training and maintain MSHA certifications due to strict federal mining safety regulations in the United States.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$58,086.53 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Troubleshooting
Key Responsibilities
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
- Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- Drive machines to work sites.
- Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
- Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
- Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
- Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
Career Considerations
Safety Training and MSHA Compliance
Operators must complete extensive safety training and maintain MSHA certifications due to strict federal mining safety regulations in the United States.
Physical Demands and Remote Work Locations
The role requires working long shifts in outdoor conditions and often involves employment at remote mining sites across various American states.
Industry Volatility and Economic Cycles
Employment stability is affected by commodity price fluctuations and changing energy policies that impact the American mining sector.