Hands-on
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Explore a possible path
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
How does this connect to your interests? →A look at the work
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.
Interests involved in this work
These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.
7.0 / 7
Investigative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Creative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Helping people
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Enterprising
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Organizing
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Skills to explore
Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
2013-07
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
2013-07
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
2013-07
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
2013-07
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
2013-07
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
2013-07
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
2013-07
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
2013-07
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
2013-07
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
2013-07
Plan a small next step
Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.
Source preparation category: Job Zone 2 of 5 · 2026-02. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.
Related study fields
Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation →
Explore all related study fields →Source & methodology
O*NET-SOC code 47-5022.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.
How interest exploration matching works →Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.