


Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
Backhoe Operator
Bogger Operator
Bulldozer Operator
Excavator Operator
Grader Operator
Linemarker
Loader Operator
Paving Plant Operator
Railway Track Plant Operator
Road Roller Operator
Streetsweeper Operator
Mobile Plant
Operators (not covered elsewhere)
Related Jobs or Working
with these Jobs
  
Mobile Plant Operators or
Earthmoving
Plant Operators drive and operate heavy machinery used to level, excavate,
load and move earth, rock and other material.

They ensure that the equipment they use
is in working order, and manipulate the controls to direct and manoeuvre
equipment. Depending on the kind of equipment they work with, mobile plant
operators may also select or change attachments for particular jobs, smooth
and compact dirt and rubble, and clean and repair the equipment.
Mobile plant operators generally work
in the construction or mining industries, though there may also be
opportunities in other areas.
Often working in conjunction with
other physical and construction labourers, Earthmoving Plant Operators run
machinery to move and excavate earth, break up pavement, and smooth out
other surfaces in preparation for construction projects. Earthmoving plant
operators may also be known as backhoe, bulldozer, excavator, grader, or
loader operators.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A mobile plant operator needs:
- An interest in machinery
and industrial equipment
- Technical and practical
skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Physical fitness and
stamina
- A detailed and methodical
approach to their work
- Ability to listen closely to follow exact
instructions
- Basic mechanic skills to maintain and repair
machinery as needed
- Good concentration and focus on the task at hand
- Smooth hand-eye coordination for operation of
machinery
- Solid communication skills to work with others to
complete jobs
Duties and tasks
- Adjusting controls of
machinery to match project specifications
- Choosing attachments to fit
the task at hand
- Following verbal or written
instructions
- Maintaining and repairing
complex machinery
- Manipulating controls to
break up pavement or excavate earth
Working Conditions
Like other physical and
construction labourers, the workplace of an Earthmoving Plant Operator
varies based on the type of job. Construction jobs can involve
highway repair, work on entirely new buildings, or repairs on older
buildings. Weather conditions are an important aspect of the job, but will
also vary based on each labourers location.
Mobile plant operators generally
work on construction sites and mines. Conditions may be loud and dirty
and operators may come into contact with hazardous equipment or materials.
They may work regular hours, or
may work in shifts including late nights, early mornings, and on weekends
and public holidays, depending on the kind of equipment they operate.
They may be on call in case of
emergencies.
Tools and Technologies
Mobile plant operators may specialise in operating one
or two particular types of plant machinery, such as:
the machinery shown below.
The specific type and size of the machinery they use
may vary depending on the industry they work in and the requirements of a
particular job.
Depending on the nature of their role they may also be
required to wear safety equipment such as masks, gloves, boots, hard hats
and high visibility clothing.
Education and Training
To become an earthmoving plant
operator you usually need to complete a formal qualification in civil
construction plant operations.
The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations is offered at
TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout
Australia.
You can also complete a traineeship. The mobile plant operator or civil
construction plant operator traineeships usually take 24 months to complete.
To work as an earthmoving plant operator in Australia, you must obtain a
High Risk Work License.
Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training
and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (commonly known as a “white
card”).
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training
contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning
practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured
training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will
assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be
awarded a nationally recognised qualification.
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your
school. You generally start your school based apprenticeship by attending
school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training
organisation and one day at work. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to
start your training now through VET in Schools. If you get a full-time
apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school
leaving age.
Earthmoving Plant Operators
and their machinery
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operators

Cotton Picker
(Source:
John Deere)
 
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant
Operators operate agricultural and horticultural plants to clear and
cultivate land, and sow and harvest crops.
Specialisations:
Cotton Picking Machine Operator, Harvester Operator, Tractor
Operator.
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Operates tractor-drawn and self-propelled plant to plough land and
sow, fertilise, cultivate and harvest crops and avoid damaging
crops.
Adjusts speed, height and depth of implements.
Keeps log tallies and writes work reports.
Services plant and performs minor repairs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as an Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant
Operator without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful.
Training is available through VET (Vocational Education and
Training). A course in rural machinery operations might be helpful. |
Backhoes

 
Backhoe Operator
Backhoe Operators operate backhoes and
attachments to excavate, break, drill, level and compact earth, rock
and other material.

Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments.
Operates controls.
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensure safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor
adjustments and repairs.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
You can work as a Backhoe Operator without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET
(Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil construction
plant operations might be helpful.
|
Bulldozers

Bulldozer Operator
 
Bulldozer Operators operate bulldozers using
blades and other attachments to gouge out, level and move materials
in construction, forestry, mining and other projects.
Specialisations: Scraper Operator (Earthmoving).
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions bulldozers for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments such as loading scoops, shovel
blades and rippers
Operates controls to excavate, break, gouge out, move, load and
spread materials including earth, rock, rubble and soil.
Monitors operation of the bulldozer and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation while ensuring safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
Services, lubricates, cleans, refuels and performs minor adjustments
or repairs to the bulldozer.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Bulldozer Operator without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET
(Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil construction
plant operations might be helpful. |
Excavators

Excavator Operator
 
Excavator Operators operate heavy excavation
plants to excavate, move and load earth, rock and rubble.

Specialisations: Hydraulic Rockbreaker Operator,
Trench Digging Machine Operator.
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments such as buckets, winches,
loading scoops, shovel blades and rock breaking hammers.
Operates controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge
out, move, load and spread earth, rock, rubble, soil and other
materials.
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor
adjustments and repairs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as an Excavator Operator without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET
(Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil construction
plant operations might be helpful. |
Graders

Grader Operator
 
Grader Operators operate graders to spread and
level materials in construction projects.
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments.
Operates controls to move earth, rock, rubble, soil and other
materials.
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor
adjustments and repairs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Grader Operator without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET
(Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil construction
plant operations might be helpful. |
Boggers

Bogger Operator/ Driver
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Solid history in underground mining;
Experienced with Sandvik and/or Cat Boggers
Experienced with Tele-Remote Boggers
Valid Australian Driver’s License
Flexible and willingness to assist with varied tasks and
responsibilities;
Good communication skills, both oral and written
Duties and Tasks
Perform loading and dumping cycles from development and production
areas;
Bog from open stopes;
Bog out and clean faces;
Tram material from stockpiles and other bogging duties as required;
Keep all roads in working areas tidy and free from hazards;
|
Road
Rollers

Road Roller Operator
 
Road Roller Operators operate power-driven
rollers to prepare surfaces for roads, runways and car parks.

Duties and Tasks
Drives roller over surface until desired condition is obtained.
Maintains equipment.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Road Roller Operator without formal
qualifications, however, they may be useful. Training is available
through VET (Vocational Education and Training). A course in mobile
plant technology might be helpful. |
Linemarkers

Linemarker
 
Linemarkers operate plants to apply markings to
roads and other surfaces such as car parks, airports and
sportsgrounds.

Specialisations: Road Marker.
Duties and Tasks
Drives over surface to lay appropriate markings.
Reads drawings and plans.
Maintains equipment.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Linemarker without formal qualifications, however,
they may be useful. Training is available through VET (Vocational
Education and Training). A course in traffic management might be
helpful. |
Front-end
Loaders
Bobcats

 
Loader Operators
operate motorised loaders to move and load soil, rock and other
material.

Specialisations: Bobcat Operator, Front-end Loader
Operator.
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments such as buckets, winches and
loading scoops.
Operates controls to move and load a range of natural materials.
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor
adjustments and repairs.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Loader Operator without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET
(Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil construction
plant operations might be helpful.
|
Paving
Plant Operator

(Source:
For Construction Pros)
 
Paving Plant Operators operate plants to spread
and level hot bituminous paving materials and lay concrete on areas
such as highways, roads and car parks.

Duties and Tasks
Operates bitumen plant using a range of foot and hand controls
focussing on applying paving materials systematically to the area to
be paved.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Paving Plant Operator without formal
qualifications, however, they may be useful. Training is available
through VET (Vocational Education and Training). A course in civil
construction might be helpful. |
Railway
Track Plant Operator

(Source:
Aries Rail)
 
Railway Track Plant Operators operate plants to
lay, align, repair and maintain railway tracks.

Duties and Tasks
Drives plant to lay, align and carry out maintenance work on railway
tracks.
Maintains equipment.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Railway Track Plant Operator without formal
qualifications, however, they may be useful. Training is available
through VET (Vocational Education and Training). A course in rail
infrastructure might be helpful.
|
Mobile
Plant Operators (not covered elsewhere)

Cable Ferry Operator - Wisemans Ferry
(Source:
Wisemans)
 
Mobile Plant Operators (not covered elsewhere) includes jobs like

Cable Ferry Operator,
Dredge Operator,
Mulcher Operator,
Snow Groomer,
Straddle Carrier Operator, and
Tunneller.
Duties and Tasks
Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Selects, fits and removes attachments.
Operates controls to carry out required tasks.
Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate
pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other
workers.
Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and
hydraulic controls.
Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor
adjustments and repairs.
|
Did You
Know?
A road roller is a compact type engineering
vehicle that is used to compact gravel, soil, asphalt, or concrete in
the construction of foundations and roads.
Road Roller History Facts
Did you know that the first road rollers were horse-drawn? The roller
was an agricultural tool used for breaking up huge clumps of soil or for
flattening land. During this time, there were no trucks; hence, the
roller was pulled mostly by animals like oxen and horses.
During the 19th century, peoples started building roads with concrete,
mixing aggregates, asphalt and clay together. This road type was soft
and tough. As a result, people made use of the transformed rollers in
order to flatten and harden roads. This is actually how the road roller
came about.
But since horses could just bear limited, self-powered vehicles replaced
the rollers drawn by horses. The very first replacement was steam
rollers. The invention of steam rollers was indeed very remarkable.
During the 20th century, rollers powered by kerosene, gasoline, and
diesel replaced their steam-powered counterparts. The very first
internal-combustion powered road rollers were quite similar to the steam
rollers they have replaced. But most companies did not like these
rollers. So as a result, almost all road rollers in commercial use today
are diesel-powered.
(Source:
Great Online Trivia)
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