Equipment Operator – Operating Engineer

OPERATING ENGINEERS OR EQUIPMENT OPERATORS OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A VARIETY OF POWERFUL EQUIPMENT RANGING FROM BULLDOZERS, BACKHOES, AND EARTHMOVERS TO VERY LARGE POWER SHOVELS AND CRANES.

Hourly: $38.28 - $52.78 Benefits: $27.80 + a **

Working Conditions
Because almost all the work is out-of-doors, working conditions are governed by the weather. The work is physically demanding and operators are subject to jarring, jolting, and continuous noise. Working with the equipment offers danger of injury and requires constant attention.

Aptitude and Interest
Operators must have good eyesight and better than average coordination in order to operate both hand and foot levers simultaneously. They must have good judgement in order to perform complicated tasks, and must be able to work closely with other crafts without constant supervision. Skilled operators are constantly alert and observant of their surroundings.

Training
To become a skilled operating engineer or equipment operator training is essential.

  • learning-by-working;
  • company on-the-job training programs;
  • trade or vocational/technical schools;
  • unilaterally (management or labor) sponsored trainee programs;
  • through registered, labor-management apprenticeship programs;
  • or a combination of the above.

It is generally accepted that the more formalized training programs give more comprehensive skill training.

Recommended high school courses include English, algebra, geometry, general sciences, and mechanical drawing.

READY TO START YOUR CAREER? LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERATING ENGINEER APPRENTICESHIPS IN CT.

 

 

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**Wage and compensation information based on CT Department of Labor data reported as of July 1, 2023.

** Wage is dependent on type of machinery being operated.