Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by Admin
So, you’ve been considering different job options and have found that becoming an excavator operator sounds like the perfect fit.
Becoming an excavator operator is a viable and steady career path. This job involves operating and handling a heavy piece of equipment that can move soil and dirt on a field or worksite.
Not just anyone can operate an excavator, meaning you’ll have to develop technical and specialised skills to succeed in this career path.
But once you’ve accomplished that, you’ll be an indispensable person in a wide variety of projects, from construction sites to mineral mines.
This won’t happen immediately, of course. You’ll still need to undergo the right preparation and training routine to ensure that you’re fully equipped to take control of the multi-tonne machine.
That said, if you’re dead set on getting a job as an excavator operator, this article will outline six key steps to help you pursue this career path from start to finish.
Let’s get straight to it.
Table of Contents
 1. Understand The Responsibilities of an Excavator Operator
It’s important to understand the roles and responsibilities of an excavator operator to remove any misconceptions you may have of that role early on.
In essence, excavator operators operate heavy excavation units to move and load soil and rubble. But they also do a lot of other functions throughout the day to fulfill their responsibilities.
Some of the roles that excavator operators perform on a daily basis include:
- Parking, driving, and preparing the excavator for operation
- Selecting and installing the right attachments before driving
- Operate the control panel to excavate, break, drill, or move materials
- Monitor excavator’s pressure and speed levels and stays within range
- Manipulates hydraulic and manual controls for operation
- Follows the instructions of supervisors and road signages
- Services, refuels, lubricates, cleans and maintains the excavator
These aforementioned activities make up the bulk of an operator’s task load on a given day. However, it’s important to note that each construction site is different, and some responsibilities may be added (or removed) depending on the need.
In such cases, it’s important to communicate your expectations and get a clear idea of your responsibilities with the company. This helps you know the extent of your role as an excavator operator working for them.
2. Be a High School Graduate
You won’t be outright rejected if you lack a high school diploma, but having a diploma tied to your name can be a huge help in convincing employers to hire you as an excavator operator.
A igh school diploma demonstrates your ability to work hard, follow instructions, perform simple arithmetic, and read and write. Securing one from a reputable school also showcases that you’re trainable and coachable, which are essential skills in the workforce when evaluating a new hire’s potential fit.
Furthermore, a high school diploma shows that you have the inherent ability to finish what you’ve started. This sense of dedication is seen as a plus by many employers, which can help you get your foot in the door in many apprenticeship programs or entry-level construction positions—any of which can lead you to the path of becoming an excavator operator.
Having a diploma can also be the difference maker between your employer choosing you over a similar candidate who may not have one. In any case, you’ll have an edge by having a HS diploma, albeit not the biggest one.
3. Gain Hands-on Experience
If you have had previous experience working as an excavator operator, you’ll stand out from the other applicants and be able to more easily secure that same role in a different company.
However, if you’re reading this, you’re likely still in your initial attempts of getting your foot in the door. No worries, having a background in operating any type of complex equipment or machinery—such as loaders—can also be an advantage when applying for an excavator operator position.
Many aspiring operators typically start with apprenticeship roles on construction sites. They don’t control the excavators themselves just yet, but they can get mentored by experienced professionals to develop a feel for the excavator’s controls and movements.
If you’ve had that experience as a previous construction site worker, this can be transferable and help you stand out when applying for a similar role in another company.
If you’re still in a construction job or a similar job that uses excavators, get in contact with the operator and have them teach you the laydown of how the machine works. Leveraging your proximity to them can help provide you with practical insights on how to operate the excavator.
While you may not be certified to operate an excavator yet, you can do auxiliary functions like installing OEM or aftermarket parts on an excavator, such as ASV undercarriage parts.
By gaining hands-on experience, you can become a more attractive candidate to future employers, as they will deem you competent once you’ve demonstrated familiarity with the excavator and its internal mechanisms.
4. Grab Some Relevant Certifications
When applying for an excavator operator position, many employers require applicants to have a few certificates.
There’s no singular certificate that an excavator operator needs, but the closest one that may be deemed a viable certification is the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. This certification shows that you’re equipped to handle operation, maintenance, and safety protocols in a construction environment.
Having workplace safety standard certifications like Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and OSHA can help too.
That said, there are some other requirements that companies may look out for depending on their needs. A White Card, for instance, is a mandatory safety certification for anyone working on construction sites in Australia.
Some companies will also require either an HR (Heavy Rigid) license or an MR (Medium Rigid) license. An HR license allows operators to drive vehicles of over 8,000 kilograms, whereas a MR license only allows for vehicles under 8000 kilograms.
In any case, it’s important to look for and secure certifications that can help you get an excavator operator position.
Each company will post different requirements, so browse through them in job listing websites and don’t hesitate to contact hiring companies even if you have one or two of their requirements missing—you can always secure these licenses later on along with the application.
5. Network, Network, Network
Another way to boost your chances of getting hired as an excavator operator is by putting your name out there and networking to people. Talking to industry professionals can open doors for you, like job opportunities and mentorships.
You can typically network by going to industry events, seminars, and workshops where you can gather and meet like-minded professionals in a closed setting. You may also consider networking online and connecting with industry professionals on sites like LinkedIn.
Of course, if you’re already working in a job, be sure to be amiable to your colleagues and bosses as well. If you’re in a good relationship with them, you can get their reference and become more likely to advance your career with ease even after you’ve parted ways.
By connecting with individuals, you’ll increase your chances of getting the opportunity to advance your career and become an excavator operator. You’ll also get to know more people in your field, which is always a boost to your professional reputation as they can hit you up if they happen to spot or create an opening for the job.
6. Polish Your Resume Writing and Interview Skills
To increase your chances of securing the job, you should create a well-crafted resume and hone your interview skills.
Your resume should highlight your certification, past job history, skills, and accomplishments. You should use action words to describe your functions in your previous company. Tailor fit it to the job as much as possible.
You should also practice performing during interviews. Research on common questions and prepare answers for them beforehand. Review the technical aspects of the excavator and the history of the company. Also, be sure to show that you’re safety-focused and a team player.
By putting your best foot forward in both your resume and interview, you’ll have a higher chance of getting accepted for the job. So be sure to dedicate some time in mastering these crafts.
Good luck with your job search!
Related Posts:
- Excavators: The Powerhouses Driving Modern Construction
- Construction Equipment Operator Training: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Become a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator
- How to Get Heavy Equipment Operator License: Your Step-by-Step Guide
- Construction Machine Operator Jobs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Career Pathways
