Backhoe Operator

Tasks

• Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.

• Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.

• Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.

• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.

• Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.

• Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.

• Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.

• Create or maintain inclines or ramps.

• Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.

• Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.

• Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.

• Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.

• Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.

• Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.

• Drive machines to work sites.

• Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.

Skills

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Knowledge

• Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.