Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.79
• Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.76
• Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.75
• Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.75
• Coordinate truck dumping.73
• Drive machines onto truck trailers, and drive trucks to transport machines and material to and from job sites.73
• Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.72
• Set up and tear down equipment.72
• Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.72
• Light burners or start heating units of machines, and regulate screed temperatures and asphalt flow rates.69
• Control traffic.65
• Place strips of material, such as cork, asphalt, or steel into joints, or place rolls of expansion-joint material on machines that automatically insert material.65

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring66

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Operation and Control60

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Monitoring56

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Repairing50

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Troubleshooting50

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Equipment Maintenance47

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Speaking47

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Quality Control Analysis44

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Building and Construction66

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mechanical57

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics44

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Physics44

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

• Public Safety and Security44

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Customer and Personal Service43

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Chemistry37

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Administration and Management36

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Design36

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Law and Government35

  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

• English Language34

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training32

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision69

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Problem Sensitivity66

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Multilimb Coordination60

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Rate Control56

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Reaction Time56

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Far Vision53

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Static Strength53

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Trunk Strength53

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness50

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Deductive Reasoning50

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Depth Perception50

  The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

• Extent Flexibility50

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes85

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials84

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment74

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People73

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Performing General Physical Activities73

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems66

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings66

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment65

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates64

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization62

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability76

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness53

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Stress Tolerance41

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Attention to Detail40

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Integrity30

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance30

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation28

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Self-Control28

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Cooperation24

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence21

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability15

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Initiative8

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional45

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative12

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Once a year or more but not every month14%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Once a month or more but not every week14%
  • Once a year or more but not every month14%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Once a week or more but not every day13%

• Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

  • Every day56%
  • Once a week or more but not every day28%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Once a week or more but not every day20%
  • Once a month or more but not every week14%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Once a week or more but not every day15%

• In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

  • Every day66%
  • Once a month or more but not every week14%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Once a month or more but not every week22%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day44%
  • Once a week or more but not every day38%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Once a week or more but not every day29%
  • Once a year or more but not every month14%

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

  • Every day41%
  • Once a week or more but not every day28%
  • Once a month or more but not every week21%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Less than high school diploma
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Electronic mail software

  Email software, Microsoft Outlook

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

• Time accounting software

  Time report software

• Data base user interface and query software

  Database software

• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  Warehouse management system WMS

• Project management software

  HCSS HeavyBid

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Associated General Contractors of America
• Pile Driving Contractors Association
• International Union of Operating Engineers
• Laborers' International Union of North America
• National Center for Construction Education and Research
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction Laborers
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Mining Machine Operators
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Operate road-surfacing equipment.
• Load materials into construction equipment.
• Direct construction or extraction personnel.
• Monitor construction operations.
• Coordinate construction project activities.
• Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
• Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
• Clean equipment or facilities.
• Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.
• Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
• Maintain construction tools or equipment.
• Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Asphalt Paving Machine Operator (Alt. Title: Concrete and Asphalt Equip Op)