Careers in Mining and Resources WA - Heavy Machinery Operator

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Heavy Machinery Operator

Also known as: Truck Driver, Excavator Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Grader Operator, Scraper Operator

Heavy machinery operators use heavy vehicles to transport goods and materials from one area to another.

Excavator Operator

Excavator operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of excavators to dig, move and load earth, rock or other materials.

Bulldozer Operator

Bulldozer operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of bulldozers, using the blade and other attachments to gouge out and move rock, earth and other materials.

Grader Operator

Grader operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of graders to spread and level materials on site.

Scraper Operator

Scraper operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of scrapers which pick up, haul, deposit and level earth on mining sites.

Duties

Excavator Operator

Excavator operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of excavators to dig, move and load earth, rock or other materials. Excavator drivers in the minerals industry may perform the following tasks:

Load and unload plant from low loaders and manoeuvre it around site operations;
Communicate with truck drivers and other personnel to coordinate operations;
Operate equipment to excavate to correct levels and alignment, working from drawings and markers;
Back-fill trenches;
Select and change excavator attachments, and
Service equipment.

Bulldozer Operator

Operate the plant to move overburden;
Carry out basic maintenance, adjustments and repairs to plant - only if qualified;
Carry out pre start checks;
Set levels;
Use machines to anchor form, and
Remove obstruction on roads.

Grader Operator

Level surfaces by making repeated passes over working areas and observing survey pegs or signals from co-workers;
Dig out ditches by tilting grader blade;
Break up surface with scarifying attachments, and
Service equipment regularly.

Scraper Operator

Drive machines to scrape surfaces to a given depth and collect material in their bowls to be deposited elsewhere on site;
Dump and spread material following the guidance of survey pegs, and
Service and make minor repairs to the equipment.

Truck Driver

check brakes, oil, tyres, electrical systems,water, hydraulic and air;
load, or supervise loading, of material onto the truck;
transport material to destination;
maintain log book.