Operating Engineer: Construction Equipment Operator

Nature of Work

Operating Engineers maintain and operate a great variety of construction and earth-moving
equipment and stationary construction machines such as compressors, earth-boring machines and hoists. They lubricate, make minor repairs and maintain all types of power machines including crawler tractors, loaders, small shovels and cranes. They install specially designed attachments for certain jobs. They operate grading and paving machines, excavate, fill and grade rights-of-way for highways, streets, canals, dams and other earthmoving projects. They service, maintain and operate front-end loaders, scrapers, graders, concrete pavers, and other road and dam equipment.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years – Must be able to furnish proof of age.

Health: Good health; must be physically able to do hard work under all conditions.

Education: Montana requires you to furnish certificates or transcripts of high school graduation or equivalent.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Three years (4500 hours).

Related classroom instruction: 144 hours per year.

Probationary period: 500 hours.

Credit for previous experience: In some programs, credit may be granted after being properly documented and/or after evaluation by apprenticeship sponsor. (Operating Engineers JATC will grant credit only after completion of probationary period).

Working Conditions

An Operating Engineer may specialize in one or more types of construction machines. In most cases, particularly on highway construction, the work may be in remote areas and in extremes of climate conditions. Dust, dirt, and high noise levels are frequently present. Hazards of overturning equipment and high-speed traffic may be encountered. All work is outside except
work in a repair shop. Generally a forty-hour work week. Work is somewhat seasonal in nature. Skill at operating several pieces of equipment will make one more employable.

Wages

Apprentices are paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate with advances every 750 hours based on satisfactory performance on the job and in related instruction.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: Mechanical reasoning and comprehension.

Interests: Working with mechanical equipment and working with hands

Temperament: Follow instructions and take orders.

Physical capacities: Able to operate machines and do hard work, reaching, stooping, working in awkward positions.

Tools Used

Repair, service and maintenance tools for heavy machines and equipment
Wrenches	Jacks	Hoists
Power grinders	Welders

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Surveying	Mechanics
Physics	Welding	Basic communication
Machine shop

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated every 750 hours for advancement in wages and training.

Journeyman: May advance to higher rated equipment with experience and training; may
become foremen, supervisors or contractors; may be become field servicemen.

Employment Outlook

Outlook is good for continued employment, although work tends to be seasonal. Continuing and increased instruction will provide opportunities for apprentices. Inquire with program sponsors for information on openings.

How to Apply

Complete applications and interviews as required by individual program sponsors. Inquire with program sponsor for specific entry requirements.

Completion Procedures

Upon evidence of satisfactory completion of apprenticeship (competency test and required
hours) apprentices are recommended to the JATC for completion. Upon approval of the
program sponsor, the apprentice will be given a completion of apprenticeship certificate recognizing him/her as a journeyman Operating Engineer.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Montana Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship System
3100 Canyon Ferry Road
East Helena MT 59635
Phone: 406-227-5600

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp

International Union of Operating Engineers
www.iuoe.org/training/training.htm