Is a Heavy Equipment Operator a Hard Job?

Were you a child who loved digging in the mud and who was fascinated by construction sites with big machines? If so, you may be a great fit for becoming a heavy equipment operator. Whether you are just starting out on your career path or are looking to make a change to another career choice, becoming a heavy equipment operator is a great job opportunity that pays well and has a great outlook for job growth. You may wonder, is being a heavy equipment operator a hard job? The answer is not that simple. The instructors at West Coast Training have some helpful information about what is required and what it’s like to become a heavy equipment operator.

What Are the Job Duties of a Heavy Equipment Operator?

You will find heavy equipment operators at most construction sites throughout the entire construction process. Heavy equipment operators run many different types of complex machines, such as bulldozers, excavators, and forklifts, to be able to dig, move, and stack materials required for construction in various areas.

Heavy equipment operators are mostly found outdoors and are subject to many different weather patterns, which can mean working during some extreme weather at times, as needed. Some construction projects are completed overnight, and so job hours may also be overnight.

Being a heavy equipment operator means safety and communication are of utmost importance, as operators are often working with others on the jobsite to complete tasks around large machines that can be both dangerous and loud, making communication more difficult but extremely important to keep everyone safe.

What Training Is Required to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator?

To become a heavy equipment operator, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and then you must complete some training first, usually followed by an internship or an apprenticeship to get experience working on the job. Starting with a training program can help get you your first official job as a heavy equipment operator. Most training programs include both classroom and hands-on experience, although some programs use virtual reality training in lieu of hands-on experience with actual machines.

You will also learn the necessary information to pass the certification tests. Many labor unions offer apprenticeships for those who are interested in gaining hands-on experience. If you are interested in becoming a heavy equipment operator and would like more information about available training programs in your area, contact the instructors at West Coast Training.

Skills Required to Be a Heavy Equipment Operator

Is a heavy equipment operator a hard job? It can be if you aren’t a good fit for the job. To qualify for the job as a heavy equipment operator, you must be in good physical health, as the job is physically demanding, and being in poor health while working on the job can cause a dangerous situation for the entire crew. You must be a team player, as communication and safety are extremely important. Once you have completed training and are ready to dig in, the job can be extremely rewarding.