Material Moving Machine Operators

Career summary

Material moving machine operators set up and inspect material moving equipment. They operate the equipment and move materials according to a schedule or production plan. When necessary, they make minor repairs to their machinery. They also record materials they move and where it was moved to and from.

Material moving machine operators operate several types of machines:

Industrial truck and tractors

Industrial truck and tractor operators move materials around warehouses, storage yards, and work sites. Their trucks are usually called forklifts.

Excavating and loading machine and draglines

These machines have scoops or shovels. They dig sand and earth and load them onto conveyors to be transported elsewhere.

Dredges

Dredge operators excavate waterways. They remove material from harbors so that ships can navigate waterways. Sometimes they help to restore wetlands and rebuild beaches.

Underground mining loading machines

Operators use these machines to load coal, ore, and other rocks onto shuttles. These mine carts will be transported out of a mine.

Crane and tower equipment

Crane and tower operators use towers and cable to lift and move materials, cargo, and other heavy objects at construction sites or major ports.

Hoist and winch equipment

Hoist and winch operators control the movement of platforms, cables, and cages used to move workers at work sites such as high-rise construction sites. Some work in industrial sites.

Conveyor systems

Conveyor operators operate machines that move materials on an automatic belt. They move materials to and from places in a mine or production facility.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Construction and Well Drillers
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Forklift Operators
• Gas and Oil Drillers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Loggers
• Mining Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Pipelayers
• Pump Operators
• Rock Splitters
• Roof Bolters
• Roustabouts

Military careers

• Construction Equipment Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to material moving machine operators.

• Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about materials to be moved.
• Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
• Operate power machinery such as power shovel, scraper loader, or back hoe. Move levers, foot pedals, switches, or dials.
• Drive or advance machine to reach, gather, or move load.
• Measure and verify levels of rock, gravel, or other material. May weigh load to prevent equipment overloads.
• May clean, fuel, and service equipment. May repair or replace parts.
• May keep records of materials moved.

Common work activities

Material moving machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, material moving machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.
• Have a low level of social contact. They work alone most of the time.
• Sometimes coach or direct other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors. Conveyor operators, however, often work indoors.
• Are often exposed to hazardous power equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
• Sometimes wear hard hats, safety glasses, or earplugs.
• Are sometimes exposed to noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants such as cleaning solvents.
• Are sometimes exposed to whole body vibrations.
• Are sometimes exposed to extremely bright or inadequate lighting, especially in mines.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that could produce cuts, stings, or minor burns. The likelihood of even slight injury is low.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions, especially when working in mines. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places, especially in underground mines.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause serious safety hazards.
• Must allow work pace to be set by the speed of machinery.
• Must be constantly aware of changing events, such as the location of other machinery or workers.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week.

Physical demands

Material moving machine operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for material moving machine operators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for material moving machine operators to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Material moving machine operators need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations

Training

To work as a material moving machine operator, you typically need to:

• complete on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Work experience

Any experience safely driving or operating equipment can help you get a trainee position.

On-the-job training

Many operators learn their skills on the job. You often begin as an assistant and help set up, dismantle, and service the equipment. An experienced operator closely supervises your work as you learn to operate light equipment. As you gain experience, you use heavier equipment. The length of training varies by the type of equipment you operate. You may receive one month of training or up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction equipment operators. This occupation includes several types of machine operators. Training lasts from four to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require that operators have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for operators with good hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude. Experience operating material moving machines is an asset. This experience could be from the military or a training program. High school training in auto or diesel mechanics is also helpful.

Requirements vary with the employer and type of equipment being operated. Employers look for applicants who are prompt, flexible, willing to learn, able to take instruction, and who can work without direct supervision. They also look for applicants who have good work habits and listening skills, and can look ahead and determine what tasks need to be done next.

Pre-employment and random drug testing may be required by some employers.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Conveyor Operators and Tenders 
• Dredge Operators 
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators 
• Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining 
• Mine Shuttle Car Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for dredge operators, for underground mining loading machine operators, or for mine shuttle car operators.

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wage tables are available for the following SOC titles. Click the title to show or hide that title's wage table.

Wages vary by type of machine. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. Wages are usually higher in large urban areas. Machine operators may work less in the winter when there are fewer construction projects or the weather is too bad. Working fewer hours will reduce total earnings.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time material moving machine operators may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Employment & Outlook tables are available for the following SOC titles. Click the title to show or hide that title's table.

National employment

Major employers:

• Specialty contractors (includes swimming pool construction and house moving)
• Coal and non-metal mining companies
• Courier services
• Utility system construction companies

National outlook

Demand and growth varies widely by type of machine operated. Demand for excavating and loading machine operators is very strong because of growth in the construction industry. The outlook is good for dredge operators, due to dredging operations in large ports. Concerns about the environment may slow demand for dredgers. Conveyor operators are expected to see slow growth. Growth will pick up in warehouses as consumer spending increases.

Loading machine and shuttle operators both work in the mining industry where there will be a decline in growth.

Other resources

Great Jobs: Heavy Equipment Operator 
(International Union of Operating Engineers)

United Mine Workers of America 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Conveyor Operators and Tenders (53-7011.00) 
• Dredge Operators (53-7031.00) 
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators (53-7032.00) 
• Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining (53-7033.00) 
• Mine Shuttle Car Operators (53-7111.00) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Bed Operator (613.685-034) 
• Boom-conveyor Operator (921.683-014) 
• Brick Unloader Tender (579.685-062) 
• Bull-chain Operator (921.685-014) 
• Cement Loader (921.565-010) 
• Char-conveyor Tender (529.685-050) 
• Chip-bin Conveyor Tender (921.685-022) 
• Coal-equipment Operator (921.683-022) 
• Coke Loader (921.563-010) 
• Conveyor Operator, Pneumatic System (921.382-010) 
• Conveyor Tender (921.685-026) 
• Conveyor-system Operator (921.662-018) 
• Cooker Loader (921.685-030) 
• Dragline Operator (850.683-018) 
• Dredge Operator (850.663-010) 
• Drier-take-off Tender (921.685-034) 
• Fruit Distributor (921.685-046) 
• Harvester Operator (930.683-022) 
• Loading-machine Operator (932.683-014) 
• Mechanical-shovel Operator (932.683-018) 
• Milled-rubber Tender (553.685-078) 
• Mucking-machine Operator (850.683-026) 
• Palletizer Operator I (921.682-014) 
• Power-shovel Operator (850.683-030) 
• Production-supply-equipment Tender (921.685-050) 
• Septic-tank Installer (851.663-010) 
• Shuttle-car Operator (932.683-022) 
• Silo Operator (529.682-030) 
• Silo Tender (579.685-050) 
• Stacker Tender (921.685-062) 
• Stripping-shovel Operator (850.663-026) 
• Tip-out Worker (575.687-038) 
• Tipple Operator (921.662-026) 
• Tipple Tender (669.685-090) 
• Tower-excavator Operator (850.683-042) 
• Transfer Operator (921.685-066) 
• Trolley Operator (524.565-010) 
• Unscrambler (921.685-070) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional
• Realistic/Enterprising/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled