Heavy Equipment Operator in Alaska
Describe what you do in a typical day.
I arrive at the job at about 15 minutes before 7 a.m. to get lined out for the day. Your assigned piece of equipment is already running, and the oil checked by an oiler whose job is to make sure all fluids are kept at the proper level also, a mechanic has the machines already checked over and started. After being lined out for the day's work as a dozer operator, I begin to make my last-minute walk around to make sure that everything is safely parked clear of the dozer and nobody is working on the equipment. Now it is time to start my day. For four to six hours, I will be moving gravel, building roads, driveways and clearing land. At midday I eat lunch for 30 minutes. Then it's back to work for another four to six hours, pulling levers and moving gravel. Tomorrow I'll do it all over again.
What led you to your present career?
"My dad was an operator, and it looked like fun; so I tried it and I liked it", said Mr. Terry.
What school subjects were most important to you in your present career?
A little bit of all the school subjects like Basic Math, English, Biology, Earth Science, and History is important.
When did you see relevance of those subjects to your future?
When I was first filling out my application for the job and filling out my W2's, I realized their relevance.
What skills are needed on your job?
Driving abilities, common sense, basic math skills, problem
solving, reading, and learning to follow directions.
What are some pros and cons or your job that you think kids should know when considering your career?
Pros: The money is good (average $30 an hour wage); it's exciting, and there are good benefits for union members; such as, hospitalization, retirement and dental plan.
Cons: Foremen over you, long hours, working in the cold, sometimes night shift, safety risk's, running old smoky equipment, very hot and dusty days, and working away from home.
What could young people do to prepare themselves for this career?
Sign up for the Operating Engineer's Apprenticeship Program. There you will be taught to operate many different types of equipment. After finishing, which takes six weeks, you will be sent out to your first job. There your training will continue, except now, you will be started out at 60% of journeymen wages, which is just over $30 an hour plus benefits and retirement.
Are there a lot of jobs in this area?
Yes, there are many jobs in this area operating machinery, being a mechanic, and preparing for new construction sites.
Application: A form that you have to fill out to apply for a job.
W2's: A form provided by an employer that shows your earnings and with holdings for the year.
Benefits: Insurance for the union members and their family.
Union: A group that helps makes sure that employees gets receive good wages and are treated fairly.
Hospitalization: A benefit provided by the union for their employees
Retirement: A plan set up by the union that reserves money for when you retire.
Foremen: Experienced journeymen who over see the operating crews.
Apprenticeship program: Is a program to train operators how to maintain and operate the equipment.
Journeymen: Are workers who have completed the apprenticeship
program.
Resources
Construction Equipment Operators
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos255.htm
International Union of Operating Engineers-Apprentice Opportunities