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Mobile Plant Operator

Also known as Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Earthmover, Excavator, Grader Operator, Plant Operator, Quarry Face Loader and Scraper Operator.

Mobile plant operators drive backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front- end loaders, graders, scrapers, skid-steer loaders, rollers and forklift trucks to level, excavate, move and load earth, rock and other material.

The work conditions for mobile plant operators can be hot, muddy, dusty and noisy, but most earthmoving machines have soundproofed and air conditioned cabs for the operator.

TASKS

Mobile plant operators may perform the following tasks:

prepare machines for operation
load and unload equipment from low loaders and move it around worksites
select, change and operate special attachments such as winches, scrub clearers, rippers, pile drivers and rock-breaking hammers
work from drawings and markers under the direction of supervisors and engineers
back-fill trenches
break up paving, rock and similar material by operating hydraulic or pneumatic breakersexcavate or scrape earth, rock or rubble to the correct level and alignment
load trucks with excavated fill
drive machines to and from worksites
service equipment by cleaning, lubricating and refuelling it, and make minor adjustments and repairs when necessary
maintain duty of care for other users and work to occupational health and safety requirements

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
able to follow precise instructions
able to work as part of a team
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good eyesight (may be corrected)
good hand-eye coordination
able to work without supervision

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a mobile plant operator without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a mobile plant operator through a traineeship in Surface Extraction Operations, Mobile Crane Operations or Civil Construction Plant Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Industry standards often require mobile plant operators to hold a licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT. To gain a licence, you will need to register with an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator, and keep an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an independent assessor will then be required. You must be 18 years of age to obtain a licence. However, training may commence at a younger age.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT. Visit their websites for further information.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Resources and Infrastructure or Transport and Logistics Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Major employers include earthmoving and civil construction contractors, private developers, mining and minerals processing companies and government authorities. Work projects vary in size and location. Sites may be located in the city, suburbs or country and are sometimes in remote areas.

Some plant operators may own and operate equipment on a contract hire basis, although the cost of equipment is high.