Career

Earthmoving Plant Operators

Mining, Resources & Energy

Career stats

Weekly pay

$1,625

Prospects

Medium

Employed in Australia

56,300

Growth

Relatively steady

Overview

Earthmoving Plant Operators operate plant to excavate earth, ore and rock, break up pavement, road, rock and obstructions, move and load earth, rock and debris, and level, smooth and compact surfaces in construction and other projects.

Job Titles

mdi-briefcase-variant Backhoe Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Bulldozer Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Earthmoving Plant Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Excavator Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Grader Operator
mdi-briefcase-variant Loader Operator

Job Tasks

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

  • preparing and positioning plant for operation
  • selecting fitting and removing attachments such as buckets winches loading scoops shovel blades and rock breaking hammers
  • operating controls to excavate break drill level compact gouge out move load and spread earth rock rubble soil and other materials
  • monitoring operation of plant and adjusting controls to regulate pressure speed and flow of operation and ensuring safety of other workers
  • raising lowering and manipulating attachments using manual and hydraulic controls
  • working from drawings markers and verbal instructions
  • servicing lubricating cleaning and refuelling plant and performing minor adjustments and repairs

Training & Qualifications

Vocational education & training (VET)

  • Certificate III in Mobile Crane Operations, Certificate III in Dogging
  • Certificate IV in Mobile Crane Operations
  • Certificate III in Conservation Earthworks

Short Courses

  • Course in Civil Construction Pathway
  • Course in Workplace Spotting for Service Assets
  • Certificate II in Civil Construction
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
  • Certificate III in Civil Foundations
  • Certificate III in Trenchless Technology
More about VET

Industry

Mining, Resources & Energy

If you are fascinated by the process of extracting minerals from the earth, are mathematically-minded with keen problem-solving abilities, would enjoy the challenge of operating big machinery, or want to be part of the discovery of the next oil field, then the Mining Industry is definitely a sector you should be exploring on your journey to discover a career.The Mining Industry has been a powerful driver of the Australian economy for some time, having experienced some of the fastest industry job-growth rates over the past ten years, and there are predictions of further growth. The Mining sector employs people from a range of skill sets, and some roles offer the chance for travel interstate, or even abroad to work for companies that have interests overseas. 

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