Most acquire their skills on the job, but some construction equipment operators complete formal apprenticeship programs. Employment is expected to grow slowly because jobs are concentrated in the manufacturing and construction industries. Workers in these occupations often have high pay rates, but many cannot work in inclement weather, thus reducing earnings. Nature of the Work Material moving equipment operators use machinery to move construction materials, earth, petroleum products, coal, grain, manufactured goods, and other heavy materials.
Operators control equipment by moving levers or foot pedals, operating switches, or turning dials.
They may also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments, and perform minor repairs. Material moving equipment operators are classified by the type of equipment they operate. Each piece of equipment requires different skills to move the different types of loads. Crane and tower operators lift materials, machinery, or other heavy objects from the ground. They extend or retract a horizontally mounted boom to lower, or raise a hook attached to the loadline, often in response to hand signals and radioed instructions.