Operating Engineers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview During the ancient times, architectural structure was built by human muscle and simple tools like levers and pulleys. Industrial revolution started the use of complex machines to build road, buildings, water and sewage systems. Nowadays, construction is made easy by use of modern technology and equipment. Construction companies employ operating engineers who maneuver construction machines like bulldozer, crane and tower, excavation and loading machine, hoist and winch. Contractors hire them to build airports, buildings, highways, skyscrapers, dams and other large-scale projects.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Physics and Mathematics classes are useful in preparing a person to be an operating engineer. Union apprentice program is recommended for those who wants to enter this field. This program lasts three years and gives instructions to students that are detailed and complete. The lecture and class discussion focus on elements of electricity, welding, grade-plan reading, physics and lubrication services. This is the reason employer prefers to hire someone who went through apprenticeship. To qualify for this program, an applicant must be between 18 and 30 years old. On-the-job training is also a way to be an operating engineer.
Skills and Abilities
It is important to have excellent mechanical ability if you are aspiring to become an operating engineer. Proper coordination of hand, eye, and foot is needed. They need to stay focused when operating construction machines since the machinery can be dangerous to other workers. Accuracy is needed when they are positioning the load. Operating engineer should have precise knowledge about the limitations and capabilities of the construction machines they drive. They should be strong and healthy. Working in a noisy and dirty environment is part of their job.
They need to adapt working in different types of places and weather conditions. Communication and listening skills are also important since they will be working with other workers who will guide them in properly positioning loads.
Duties
The main duty of an operating engineer is to operate construction machines like concrete mixers, bulldozers, tractors, shovels, pile drivers, cranes and pumps. It is their responsibility to know how to operate properly the machines and its attachments. It is part of their duty to be working with other workers who will give them directions to make sure that the loads are properly positioned. Most operating engineers know how to repair the construction machines they operate.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Income of operating engineers range from less than $22,069 to more than $60,174 annually. In 2002, it is estimated that they earn an average salary of $35,235. Some employers pay them hourly and rates would depend on the employer and the area or state of the country. Operating engineers working in heavy constructions are estimated to be paid $16.89 per hour. Construction industry is growing fast and even if there are new equipment or technology that are used to automate, the demand for operating engineer will still increase in the future since they are needed to verify and operate the construction machines.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
Latest Articles about: Careers
1: College Mathematics Professors: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook2: Mathematics Teacher: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
3: Medical Assistant: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
4: Mathematicians: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
5: Medical Ethicist: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Word Count: 523 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 Time: 6:06 AM
Previous - Online Producers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook | Next - Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians:Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook