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Heavy equipment operators use large machinery for transporting, installing and repairing construction projects. The equipment they might use includes cranes, forklifts, backhoes, excavators and bulldozers. They can perform a wide range of duties, but the most common ones might include:

• Assessing equipment for repairs and upgrades
• Following and enforcing safety procedures on the site
• Laying, repairing and paving asphalt and concrete surfaces
• Plowing snow using a plow machine for a municipal organization
• Digging holes to make room for a foundational structure
• Driving piles and support materials into structures to ensure stability
• Weighing materials to determine if the machinery can hold it
• Ordering replacement parts and specialized maintenance on equipment
• Powering down and ensuring proper storage of machinery after each use
• Training and overseeing other professionals on heavy equipment usage
• Maintaining reports about machine upkeep and warranty information
• Reading and implementing construction plans such as blueprints and project reports

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Heavy equipment operators most often work for specialty trade contractors, gas extraction corporations and construction firms. Here's a list of some factors about their work environment that you can consider when pursuing the role:

• Schedule: Professionals in this position typically work a regular 40-hour week, though hours may vary depending on the type of project and time of year. For example, operators often work overtime hours during peak construction seasons.
• Weather: Since construction projects are often outside, heavy equipment operators may work in a wide variety of weather conditions. These may include cold weather, rain, high temperatures or fast winds.
• Terrain: Heavy equipment operators may work in developed and undeveloped areas. For example, they might work on a site that's muddy, full of trees, paved or near a body of water.
• Safety: Large machinery comes with risks, so it's important for heavy equipment operators to follow strict safety guidelines. Some of these can include wearing helmets and high visibility vests, communicating over handheld radios with other crew members and following markers on the road.
• Teamwork: Most commonly, heavy equipment operators work on a crew with other construction professionals. They may benefit from getting to know their crew mates since they're likely to work together in high-pressure conditions.
• Intense: Since they operate heavy machinery and work with chemical and industrial materials, heavy equipment operators' work can be physically intensive. It may be helpful to use braces and perform regular stretches to ensure health and safety.

According to Indeed salary data, the national average salary for heavy equipment operators is $47,427 per year. Roughly 57% of equipment operators in the United States think their salaries are appropriate for the cost of living in their areas. If you're considering asking for a raise soon, you might try researching the average salaries of equipment operators in other states and comparing them to your own.

Read more: What Are the Different Types of Construction Jobs?

Heavy equipment operating jobs require a high school diploma or GED, followed by an apprenticeship or technical college curriculum. Here's a list of information about some of your education options:

• Technical college: These are often one or two-year programs that teach you subjects you need for your specific job site role, such as how to create blueprints and perform structural engineering techniques. One benefit of getting your education through a technical college is that you can customize your curriculum and take courses about specific facets of equipment operation, like classes on safety regulations and machinery maintenance.
• Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships can last up to three or four years, and you can apply for them through unions or state-run construction organizations. One benefit of investing your time and money in an apprenticeship is that you often receive more on-the-job training compared to pursuing a college degree.
• Mentorship programs: Your local college or construction workers' union might have regular mentorship programs you can attend. Leaders in these programs can make you aware of learning opportunities and job shadowing programs in your area.

Read more: What Is a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship?

Heavy equipment operates may gain certification or licensure to meet requirements for work, depending on their state and employer. For example, heavy equipment operators require a commercial driver's license to operate any machinery, regardless of the state where they work. The type of equipment they work with can also determine what qualifications they might need. Some employers may pay for operators to take courses and exams or update their existing qualifications before they expire. To determine which certifications or licenses you might need, review state requirements and ask your employer about opportunities for courses.Even if you don't require a certification or license to work, you may gain one to help improve your skills and find additional work opportunities. For example, gaining certification to operate other machines than the ones you commonly use may show your supervisor that you're willing to learn and accept more responsibilities.

Read more: How To Become a Heavy Equipment Operator

Here's a list of skills that heavy equipment operators may use:

• Communication: It's important for construction professionals to communicate well with other members of their crew to ensure safe and accurate collaboration. This skill may also help operators ask questions and understand clients' goals better.
• Stamina: Since construction projects may take weeks, months or even years to complete, heavy equipment operators may benefit from maintaining their stamina. This may help them maintain morale and focus on long-term goals.
• Organization: A heavy equipment operator often oversees record keeping, machine upkeep and safety protocols. Staying organized can help them manage their many responsibilities.
• Detail-oriented: Operating heavy equipment can include many steps, procedures and safety protocols. These professionals use their detail-oriented skills to ensure they remember each facet of their job and create detailed reports on machinery status.
• Observant: Since safe procedures often include assessing sites and equipment for possible concerns, it may help a heavy equipment operator to be observant. For example, they might carefully review a blueprint to find areas for improvement or to ensure consistency.
• Mechanical knowledge: Heavy equipment operators know how to use many types of large construction equipment, and they also know how to perform routine maintenance and diagnose what parts need repairs. They can operate large drills, loaders, excavators and hydraulic machines and also test their fluid levels while checking for leaks.

Related: Production Operator Skills for Job Seekers 

No Tecto Group Ltd Will Charge a Weekly Rate and Do Not Charge for Weekends I.e. Saturday or Sunday.

So even if you only need the equipment for a few hours you will still be billed for 1 weeks rental/hire.