Mining Machine Operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.94
• Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.94
• Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.93
• Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.89
• Drive machines into position at working faces.88
• Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.87
• Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.87
• Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.86
• Install casings to prevent cave-ins.85
• Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.82
• Scrape or wash conveyors, using belt scrapers or belt washers, to minimize dust production.81
• Move levers to raise and lower hydraulic safety bars supporting roofs above machines until other workers complete framing.80

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

• Operation and Control72

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring72

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

• Equipment Maintenance60

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

• Critical Thinking56

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

• Troubleshooting56

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

• Judgment and Decision Making53

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

• Repairing53

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Active Listening50

  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.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Monitoring50

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

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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

• Mechanical74

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

• Production and Processing68

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Law and Government59

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

• Education and Training56

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

• English Language46

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

• Administration and Management45

  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.

• Transportation43

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Public Safety and Security42

  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.

• Design39

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

• Engineering and Technology39

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Mathematics39

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

• Building and Construction38

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

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision75

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

• Arm-Hand Steadiness72

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

• Multilimb Coordination69

  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.

• Problem Sensitivity69

  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.

• Reaction Time69

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

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Rate Control66

  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.

• Depth Perception63

  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.

• Hearing Sensitivity63

  The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

• Selective Attention63

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Far Vision60

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Manual Dexterity60

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes84

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

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment79

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems78

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76

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

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment73

  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 Subordinates72

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

• Getting Information67

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• 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.

• Training and Teaching Others66

  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events65

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings65

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

• Handling and Moving Objects64

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

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

• Dependability88

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

• Cautiousness83

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

• Attention to Detail70

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

• Stress Tolerance69

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

• Perseverance63

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

• Self-Control53

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

• Integrity51

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  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-Confidence28

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

• Adaptability27

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

• Cooperation18

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

• Initiative12

  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.

• Conventional51

  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.

• Investigative25

  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.

• Enterprising6

  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.

• Social1

  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.

• 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.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day100%

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

  • Every day100%

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

  • Continually or almost continually89%
  • More than half the time11%

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

  • Every day96%

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

  • Every day84%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day93%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day83%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important70%
  • Very important22%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility53%
  • High responsibility44%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others58%
  • Contact with others most of the time35%

• Consequence of Error

  • Extremely serious62%
  • Very serious16%
  • Serious11%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually55%
  • More than half the time24%
  • About half the time11%

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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Some college, no degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Mobile location based services software

  Fleet monitoring system software, Hitachi ZXLink, Leica Geosystems FMS

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Analytical or scientific software

  Minitab

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

• National Mining Association
• United Mine Workers of America
• United Steelworkers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Millwrights
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Position safety or support equipment.
• Test air quality at work sites.
• Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
• Operate mining equipment.
• Position construction or extraction equipment.
• Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
• Install safety or support equipment.
• Monitor extraction operations.
• Clean equipment or facilities.
• Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
• Maintain extraction or excavation equipment.
• Apply new technologies to improve work processes.