Nature of the Work Material moving equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials and other manufactured goods, earth, logs, petroleum products, grain, coal, and other heavy materials. Generally they move materials over short distances around a construction site, factory, warehouse, or on or off trucks and ships.
Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials.
They may also set up and inspect equipment and make adjustments and minor repairs. Material moving equipment operators usually are classified by the type of machines they operate. Those who operate bulldozers, cranes, loaders, and similar equipment are often called construction equipment operators even though they work in the mining, logging, utilities, and other industries as well as the construction industry. Others operate industrial trucks and tractors and similar equipment in manufacturing plants and warehouses. Crane and tower operators lift and move materials, machinery, or other heavy objects using mechanical or hydraulic booms and tower and cable equipment.