# Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

> Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5022.00
- **Summary:** Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

## Aliases

- Dragline Oiler
- Dragline Operator
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Loader Operator
- Backhoe Operator
- Equipment Operator
- Excavator Operator
- Pit Operator
- Track Hoe Operator
- Aerial Tram Operator
- Air Shovel Operator
- Back Digger Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application. | Core | 4.A.2.b.3.a |
| Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications. | Core | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Create or maintain inclines or ramps. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.b.4.j |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Operate excavation equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Maintain professional knowledge or certifications. | 4.A.2.b.3.a |
| Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Move materials, equipment, or supplies. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Measure product or material dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Verify information or specifications. | 4.A.2.a.2.a |
| Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Shovel materials. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Direct material handling or moving activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Assemble temporary equipment or structures. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Maintain work equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Clean facilities or work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 4.12 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 4.12 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 4 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.75 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Spatial Orientation | ability | 3.62 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.5 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.5 |
| Peripheral Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.24 |
| Building and Construction | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Persuasion | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Equipment Selection | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Google Gmail | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Machine control systems | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Machine monitoring software | Industrial control software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.94 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.72 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.51 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.47 |
| Contact With Others | 4.4 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 4.39 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.38 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.13 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.1 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.1 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.07 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.06 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.04 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.04 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 4.04 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.01 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.9 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.9 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.8 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.77 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.71 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.66 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.63 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.6 |
| Time Pressure | 3.58 |
| Level of Competition | 3.4 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.27 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.26 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.25 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.06 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.93 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.62 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.59 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.56 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.49 |
| Exposed to High Places | 2.47 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.45 |
| Spend Time Standing | 2.45 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.35 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.31 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 71.12 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 23.17 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 5.71 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.18 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.93 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.55 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.36 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.81 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.44 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.4 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.32 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.02 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 1.81 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.57 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.32 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.14 |
| Agriculture | specific_interest_area | 1.13 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.13 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2061.00 | role-47-2061-00 | Construction Laborers | Primary-Short |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-3042.00 | role-49-3042-00 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | Primary-Short |
| 53-7021.00 | role-53-7021-00 | Crane and Tower Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5044.00 | role-47-5044-00 | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Primary-Long |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Supplemental |
| 47-2071.00 | role-47-2071-00 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | construction |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 52550
- **Mean Wage:** 57860
- **Pct10Wage:** 39650
- **Pct25Wage:** 46290
- **Pct75Wage:** 63630
- **Pct90Wage:** 80970
- **Employment:** 34210
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 20530 | 53520 | 161.35 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 8470 | 54570 | 4.7 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1280 | 52550 | 0.45 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1180 | 45390 | 0.59 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 700 | 44090 | 1.19 |
| 238220 | 238220 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | National industry | 310 | 60640 | 1.1 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 300 | 52840 | 0.22 |
| 561730 | 561730 | Landscaping Services | National industry | 300 | 49420 | 1.48 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 290 | 49560 | 0.18 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 280 | 133570 | 2.18 |
| 238110 | 238110 | Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors | National industry | 260 | 62740 | 4.53 |
| 238140 | 238140 | Masonry Contractors | National industry | 260 | 50980 | 8.16 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 20530 | 161.35 |
| 238140 | 238140 | Masonry Contractors | National industry | 260 | 8.16 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 8470 | 4.7 |
| 238110 | 238110 | Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors | National industry | 260 | 4.53 |
| 237130 | 237130 | Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | National industry | 130 | 2.5 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 280 | 2.18 |
| 561730 | 561730 | Landscaping Services | National industry | 300 | 1.48 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 700 | 1.19 |
- **Count:** 18

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 16
- **Percentile:** 13
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 30 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.09713897495072515 | 30 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material. | 0.0026704024912801087 | 3.98 |
| Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. | 0.0018487401862708444 | 4.04 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -0.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 25
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 3.1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 38
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 35.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 35.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 39
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 10
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** b12b55e7027ab2b6