Job Description

Excavating and loading machine operators operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to dig and load sand, gravel, earth, or similar materials into trucks or onto conveyors.

Necessary Education

No formal training typically required

Helpful High School Courses

English, Mathematics

Working Conditions

• Generally work 8-hour shifts, and may work nights
  
• May work in all types of weather outdoors
  
• Work tends to be repetitive and physically demanding
  
• May be exposed to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noise, or dangerous machinery, and must wear safety equipment to avoid injury

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware’s average annual salary, $34,290
  
• 2003, Delaware’s average hourly wage, $16.49

Career Ladder Information

• Workers usually receive training on-the-job
  
• The majority are employed by construction and mining industries
  
• Job openings should be numerous
  
• Job experience may lead to other skilled positions such as construction trades workers; assemblers or other production workers; motor vehicle operators; or vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
  
• Some may advance to supervisors

Personal Qualities and Interests

     You:

• Are in good physical condition
  
• Have a good sense of balance, distance judgment, and eye-hand-foot coordination
  
• Have reading and mathematical skills

Did you know?

• Mechanical aptitude, training in automobile or diesel mechanics, and experience operating mobile equipment, can be helpful.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): http://www.osha.gov

  
  

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