Construction equipment operatorsConstruction equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, and other heavy materials and to apply asphalt and concrete to roads and other structures. Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials. The operation of much of this equipment is becoming more complex as a result of computerized controls. Construction equipment operators may also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments, and perform some maintenance and minor repairs. Construction equipment operators include operating engineers and other construction equipment operators; paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators; and piledriver operators. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators operate one or several types of power construction equipment. They may operate excavation and loading machines equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets that dig sand, gravel, earth, or similar materials and load it into trucks or onto conveyors. In addition to the familiar bulldozers, they operate trench excavators, road graders, and similar equipment. Sometimes, they may drive and control industrial trucks or tractors equipped with forklifts or booms for lifting materials or with hitches for pulling trailers. They also may operate and maintain air compressors, pumps, and other power equipment at construction sites. Construction equipment operators who are classified as operating engineers are capable of operating several different types of construction equipment. Paving and surfacing equipment operators use levers and other controls to operate machines that spread and level asphalt or spread and smooth concrete for roadways or other structures. Asphalt paving machine operators turn valves to regulate the temperature and flow of asphalt onto the roadbed. They must take care that the machine distributes the paving material evenly and without voids, and make sure that there is a constant flow of asphalt going into the hopper. Concrete paving machine operatorscontrol levers and turn handwheels to move attachments that spread, vibrate, and level wet concrete within forms. They must observe the surface of concrete to identify low spots into which workers must add concrete. They use other attachments to smooth the surface of the concrete, spray on a curing compound, and cut expansion joints. Tamping equipment operators operate tamping machines that compact earth and other fill materials for roadbeds. They also may operate machines with interchangeable hammers to cut or break up old pavement and drive guardrail posts into the earth. Piledriver operators operate piledrivers—large machines, mounted on skids, barges, or cranes, that hammer piles into the ground. Piles are long heavy beams of wood or steel driven into the ground to support retaining walls, bulkheads, bridges, piers, or building foundations. Some piledriver operators work on offshore oil rigs. Piledriver operators move hand and foot levers and turn valves to activate, position, and control the pile-driving equipment. Related news articles BILLS PODCAST: Crowell, Wire and others lead Bills past Miami - Sep 18, 2006 Niagara Gazette,Should be famili...>MORE. Construction Equipment Operator with CDL wanted to start immediately at Niagara Falls work location. Various responsibil...>MORE. CRUNCH VIDEO: Week 2 — Lockport at Niagara-Wheatfield - Sep 18, 2006 Niagara Gazette,Work as a team member...>MORE. Construction Equipment Operator with CDL wanted to start immediately at Niagara Falls work location. Various responsibil...>MORE. ... CRUNCH VIDEO: Week 2 — Lockport at Niagara-Wheatfield - Sep 17, 2006 Tonawanda News,Click right to see the video. Construction Equipment Operator with CDL wanted to start immediately at Niagara Falls work location. Various responsibil...>MORE. ... BILLS PODCAST: Crowell, Wire and others lead Bills past Miami - Sep 19, 2006 Niagara Gazette,Click at right to listen to the podcast. Construction Equipment Operator with CDL wanted to start immediately at Niagara Falls work location. ... VIDEO: Town of Lockport man victim of homicide - Sep 19, 2006 Tonawanda News,Construction Equipment Operator with CDL wanted to start immediately at Niagara Falls work location. Various responsibil...>MORE. ... More information on Construction equipment operators from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Construction equipment operators occupation Number of Construction equipment operators in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Construction equipment operators Working conditions for Construction equipment operators Significant points for Construction equipment operators Training requirements for Construction equipment operators Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |