Often overlooked, the job of heavy machinery operator is as interesting as it is diverse. As a result, the heavy machinery operator can just as well practice his trade in northern construction sites, in mines, in the boreal forest or in one of the many construction sites present throughout our beautiful province. Read our article as we demystify the exciting job of heavy equipment operator.
What are the work tools of the heavy machinery operator?
As mentioned at the outset, the heavy machinery operator trade is very diverse. Since he can work in the field of residential, commercial and industrial construction as well as in civil engineering for large-scale projects, it goes without saying that the machines he operates vary just as much. Depending on his specialization, a heavy machinery operator can find himself behind the wheel of a mechanical shovel, a grader (grader) as much as behind the controls of a bulldozer (bulldozer) or a wheel loader. Not to mention forestry tractors, harvesters, snow plows and snow blowers.
Of course, if his main work tools can vary as much, the same goes for his tasks.
What are the main tasks of the heavy machinery operator?
Indeed, the heavy equipment operator can just as well be entrusted with the responsibility of digging trenches on a major construction site to prepare the ground before pouring the forms or of excavating around a house in order to install a new drain, for example. He can participate in the construction of roads, bridges or buildings just as he can use his mechanical shovel to demolish an old building.
More specifically, the main tasks of a heavy machinery operator can be summarized as follows:
- As the driver of a mechanical shovel, the operator will shovel soil and dig trenches, unload required materials and load heavy materials in addition to breaking stone or concrete;
- As the driver of a wheel loader, he will pick up and load earth, stone, sand or the like into the trucks;
- As the operator of a bulldozer and grader, he will have to clear the ground and then level it.
What are the qualities of a good heavy equipment operator?
To become a good operator, you must first obtain the appropriate skill card according to the trade code in force. But beyond following the appropriate training, it is above all necessary to:
- Enjoy working outdoors;
- Have excellent manual dexterity and good reflexes;
- Be autonomous and resourceful;
- Have good vision;
- Ability to work in a team with other trades.
Add to that that you need to be in good physical shape, because although the machines today offer much more comfortable and ergonomic cabins than before, the fact remains that the days can be long. In addition, the heavy machinery operator may be called upon to perform certain tasks outside his cabin.
