Earthmoving Plant Operators are professionals who operate various types of heavy machinery to carry out tasks such as excavating earth, ore, and rock, breaking up pavement and road obstructions, moving and loading materials, and leveling and compacting surfaces. These operators play a crucial role in construction and other projects in Australia.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations within the Earthmoving Plant Operators unit group require a specific level of skill, which is determined by the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some cases, relevant experience of at least one year may substitute for the formal qualifications mentioned above. Additionally, certain occupations within this unit group may require on-the-job training and/or relevant experience in addition to formal qualifications. Registration or licensing is also required for these occupations.

Tasks Include:

• Preparing and positioning plant for operation
• Selecting, fitting, and removing attachments such as buckets, winches, loading scoops, shovel blades, and rock breaking hammers
• Operating controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge out, move, load, and spread various materials
• Monitoring plant operation and adjusting controls to regulate pressure, speed, and flow while ensuring the safety of other workers
• Raising, lowering, and manipulating attachments using manual and hydraulic controls
• Working from drawings, markers, and verbal instructions
• Servicing, lubricating, cleaning, and refueling plant equipment, as well as performing minor adjustments and repairs

Occupations:

• 721211 Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
• 721212 Backhoe Operator
• 721213 Bulldozer Operator
• 721214 Excavator Operator
• 721215 Grader Operator
• 721216 Loader Operator

721211 Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)

Alternative Title: Construction Plant Operator (General)

This occupation involves operating a range of earthmoving plant equipment to assist in the construction of roads, railways, water supply systems, dams, treatment plants, and agricultural earthworks. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

721212 Backhoe Operator

This occupation involves operating a backhoe and its attachments to excavate, break, drill, level, and compact earth, rock, and other materials. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

721213 Bulldozer Operator

This occupation involves operating a bulldozer equipped with blades and other attachments to gouge out, level, and move materials in construction, forestry, mining, and other projects. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisation: Scraper Operator (Earthmoving)

721214 Excavator Operator

This occupation involves operating heavy excavation plant equipment to excavate, move, and load earth, rock, and rubble. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations: Hydraulic Rockbreaker Operator, Trench Digging Machine Operator

721215 Grader Operator

This occupation involves operating a grader to spread and level materials in construction projects. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

721216 Loader Operator

This occupation involves operating a motorised loader to move and load soil, rock, and other materials. Registration or licensing is required for this occupation.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations: Bobcat Operator, Front-end Loader Operator