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.

 

Streetsweeper operators clean litter and debris from roads and gutters to stop blockages of storm water facilities that lead to waterways. Other areas that they may service include car parks, construction sites, factory isles and shopping centres. They may also attend to hazardous waste materials that can harm wildlife, or clean up oil, fuel or concrete spills. They use a range of motorised mobile plants and vehicles or may work with hand operated tools and equipment.

ANZSCO description: Operates plant to clean streets and gutters of litter and debris. Registration or licensing is required.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A streetsweeper operator needs:

• to be a safe, reliable and responsible driver

• to enjoy practical work

• an aptitude for mechanics

• good time management skills and the ability to work independently

• to be physically fit.

Streetsweeper cleaning Melbourne street

Working conditions

Streetsweeper operators regularly inspect and maintain the machines they operate. They also perform manual cleaning duties such as picking up litter and operating pressure washers. They travel to different locations and often work outdoors in public spaces.
Streetsweeper operators may work in shifts, including late nights and early mornings, and they may also work on weekends and public holidays.

Tools and technologies

Streetsweeper operators drive dual controlled vehicles. They may operate suction streetsweepers, machines that operate via a hydrostatic drive system, or water trucks.
They may be required to make minor replacements and repairs to the machine’s chambers, brushes and other parts. Safety equipment such as earmuffs, safety glasses, high visibility clothing and safety boots may be required.

Education and training/entrance requirements
​You can work as a streetsweeper operator without any formal qualifications and get training on the job.

To work as a streetsweeper operator in Australia, you need to obtain at least a ‘C’ class driver’s licence. Some employers may require you to hold a medium or heavy rigid licence, depending on the type of plant or vehicle used in their operations.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Construction Worker

Forklift Operator

Miner

Road Worker

 

 

 

 

Material sourced from: Jobs & Skills WA  [Streetsweeper Operator]
Open University
JobOutlook [Mobile Plant Operator; Streetsweeper Operator; Backhoe Operator; Bulldozer Operator; Excavator Operators; Grader Operators; Road Roller Operator; Linemarkers; Paving Plant Operators; Railway Track Plant Operators; Loader Operators; Other; Agricultural & Horticultural Mobile Plant Operators; ]

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