According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes. | 91% |
| Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation. | 91% |
| Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application. | 88% |
| Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications. | 87% |
| Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads. | 84% |
| Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. | 80% |
| Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads. | 80% |
| Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse. | 79% |
| Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material. | 79% |
| Create or maintain inclines or ramps. | 78% |
| Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth. | 77% |
| Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers. | 75% |
| Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths. | 74% |
| Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance. | 73% |
| Drive machines to work sites. | 73% |
| Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand. | 70% |
