What is a heavy machinery operator and how to become one

Key steps to become a heavy machinery operator

1. Explore heavy machinery operator education requirements

   Most common heavy machinery operator degrees

   High School Diploma

   44.7 %

   Bachelor's

   22.6 %

   Associate

   17.1 %

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2. Start to develop specific heavy machinery operator skills

   Skills	Percentages
   Dump Truck	15.32%
   Backhoe	10.46%
   Load Trucks	7.45%
   Front End Loader	6.51%
   CDL	6.19%

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3. Complete relevant heavy machinery operator training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New heavy machinery operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a heavy machinery operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real heavy machinery operator resumes.

4. Research heavy machinery operator duties and responsibilities

   • Used heavy machinery such as a bobcat, backhoe and forklift to move asphalt or material.
   • Operate CNC lathe along with several other pieces of machinery equipment.
   • Operate backhoe to excavate excess water/mud to build barriers to prevent a spill over onto roads and residential area.
   • Start engines, move throttle switch and levers, such as bulldozers, road graders and backhoes and relate machines.

5. Prepare your heavy machinery operator resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your heavy machinery operator resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a heavy machinery operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose from 10+ customizable heavy machinery operator resume templates

   Build a professional heavy machinery operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your heavy machinery operator resume.
   

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6. Apply for heavy machinery operator jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a heavy machinery operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams