Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators Go Back to List Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.

Tasks
	Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
	Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
	Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
	Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
	Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
	Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
	Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
	Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
	Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
	Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.

Skills
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - 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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
	Public Safety and Security - 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.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Administration and Management - 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.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Customer and Personal Service - 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.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.