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O*NET detailed work activityOperate excavation equipment
Stays humanHands-on work
4 jobs10 tasks
This is physical, in-person work with real objects, tools, equipment and places that change from day to day. AI can't do it for you.
Part of Operate construction or excavation equipment, under the O*NET work activity group Controlling Machines and Processes. Individual tasks below can carry a different label when their own wording calls for it (0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 10 stays human).
Tasks built on this activity
- Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
- Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
- Drive machines to work sites.