Heavy Equipment Operators
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Job description
These individuals operate various heavy machinery (tractors, rollers, motor graders, spreaders, etc.). during construction work. These stationary or mobile machines are on wheels or track-mounted. These individuals work for:
- Construction companies
- Public works departments
- Forestry companies
- Cargo handling companies
- Pipeline operators
- Heavy equipment contractors
Environment
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Vehicle or passenger compartment
- Nontoxic dust
- Hazardous workplaces
- Noise
- Vibration
Main tasks
- Operate excavation equipment (shovels, backhoes, cranes with clamshell or dragline attachments, pivoted arm excavators, etc.).
- Dig, move, and level materials (rocks, concrete, etc.).
- Spread, disperse, and compress concrete and asphalt.
- Remove rock or ore from a mine or quarry.
- Load, move, and unload cargo.
- Inspect, clean, and lubricate machinery and fill their tanks.
Advancement and mobility
- Experience leads to supervisory positions.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
Secondary
DVS in conduite d'engins de chantier
Placement rate: 81.8%
7.6% of graduates pursue further studies
Sometimes required
- Possibility of completing short-term training leading to a Skills Training Certificate (STC) in construction equipment operation.
- Competency certificates issued by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ [Quebec Construction Commission]) to work on construction sites.
- A journeyman competency certificate (JCC) sometimes required.
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Operations and control
- Monitoring operations
- Result evaluation
- Information processing
- Data collection
- Coordination
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment maintenance
Abilities
- Control accuracy
- Limb coordination
- Depth perception
- Near vision
- Distance vision
- Speed control
- Manual dexterity
- Awareness of issues
- Hand-arm stability
- Reaction time
- Oral comprehension
- Verbal skills
- Selective attention
- Time sharing
- Deductive reasoning
- Perception speed
- Response orientation
Knowledge and attributes
- Focussed on results
- Autonomy
- Sense of responsibility
- Versatility
- Intermediate knowledge of the English language
- Respect standards and regulations
- Assiduity and punctuality
- Knowledge of buildings and construction
- Timeliness
- Knowledge of mechanics
Interests
- Work in transportation and maintenance
- Work manually
- Work outdoors
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Conventional
- People with this profile prefer specific, well-defined tasks. They like to respect the order of things and follow established rules.
- Enterprising
- People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Heavy equipment operators (CNP 73400)
Skill type
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Last update: January 29, 2026