Every day many people drive by construction sites assuming they know what equipment they see building the road or house. In reality, not many of those driving by have any idea what they are looking at; for instance, many people have no idea what the difference is between a bulldozer and a front-end loader. In fact, most people unfamiliar with construction will simply call both of these pieces of heavy equipment a bulldozer. In reality, these construction beasts are built to perform completely different jobs on the work site.

The bulldozer’s main purpose is to push large amounts of dirt, rock, or other materials around a work site without lifting the materials. To perform this, the bulldozer is fitted with a blade that is lowered to the ground and used to basically scrape the material to be moved to its final resting spot. It usually also has a “ripper” or large hook at its rear end that can be pushed into the ground and dragged to loosen dirt. The front-end loader on the other hand can push materials around but is really built to lift these materials and move them to another location or into the back of a truck to be removed from the site. To pick up materials, the loader is fitted with a bucket that can be controlled to tip the materials into the back of a truck.

An additional difference between these two pieces of heavy equipment is how they move and are transported. A bulldozer will most likely be on tracks like a tank. This gives the dozer the traction required to push materials. As a result, the bulldozer will usually require a flatbed truck to transport it from site to site. The front-end loader on the other hand is on wheels and can drive short distances on the roads dependent upon road weight rules.

Many people feel like the machines found on a construction site are very similar, but in reality, each machine is built with a certain job in mind. When used for their designed purposes, these pieces of heavy equipment are very effective, and this is especially true regarding the bulldozer and the front-end loader.

When deciding on a heavy equipment training school, it is essential that a prospective operator ensures that the school chosen will have the training that will result in success. This may require a prospective operator to make a huge choice in life; “do I stay local or do I move to the best school for my career?” In many prospective heavy equipment operators’ lives, this may be the biggest decision he or she ever makes.

Many schools will offer the basic training that is required to get a job, but is this the best route that will lead to the job a hopeful operator is truly looking for? Is the school that fits the needs local or does a trainee need to move away to find the school that will help him or her reach his goals. Heavy equipment training schools can make or break an operator, when it comes down to making things work it is important that the heavy equipment training school has the courses that will enable an operator to reach his goals.

The heavy equipment training school that is chosen will make or break an operator. It is essential that the school meets the needs of the operator. Do they offer articulating crane training? Will the school assist the trainee in finding a job?

Choosing a heavy equipment training school is an important decision. Make certain that the decision is the correct one. This is a decision that can complete the career of a heavy equipment training school operator.

Right now, nearly everywhere in the U.S., there are roads being built or repaired. No matter which highway is traveled there is the familiar row of orange barrels leading drivers on a new path or detour. These new projects are often part of the federal government’s stimulus package, but they are also sometimes the result of local government projects that fulfill a more local need. These barrels and work sites are often an unwanted sight for many drivers, but for heavy equipment operators, this is a sign of a steady job market and good paying jobs.

Regardless of who is sponsoring a road project, there are needs that can only be met by a well-trained road crew filled with numerous heavy equipment operators. One of the most important of these heavy equipment jobs on a road crew is the road scraper operator. The road scraper is the machine used to prepare the earth for the actual road. It slices the top layer of ground in a flat, level slice that will give the road grader a better surface to work with. These road scrapers are able to perform this duty without creating the mess that a bulldozer or other piece of equipment would make.

Quality road scraper training is essential in performing this important duty on any road crew. So, an operator that wants to perform this specialty needs to be certain the training school he is planning to attend offers scraper training. The best heavy equipment training programs will offer a road scraper program, and this training will enable the operator to get a good paying job on a road crew more quickly.

There are a lot of job opportunities listed on our job site this week. Below are short descriptions of each. If you’re interested in one of these positions, feel free to visit our job site for more information and how to apply. The first listing is a special listing for veterans and is well worth looking at if you’re a veteran looking for work as a truck driver or heavy equipment operator.

Truck Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators – Sidney, ND
Veterans wanted in N. Dakota. Lloyd Wynn, Washington DC has secured housing in Sidney, ND for drivers and equipment operators. Please call 703-946-0986

Truck Driver with Hazmat – Milwaukee, WI
Local driver with Hazmat CDL required. Home every night. Med, Dental,

Heavy Equipment Operators, Laborers and a Plant Manager – Bloomer, WI

Boom Truck Operator – CDL Delivery Driver – Morgantown, WV
Pull, load, and deliver customer purchases in a friendly, timely, safe and efficient manner. Greet and acknowledge all customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service. Responsible for all other duties as assigned. Must have valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Requires morning, afternoon and evening availability any day of the week.

Equipment Operator II – Miami County, KS
Responsibilities: This is a non-exempt position operating a variety of heavy equipment requiring a great degree of skill in performing a variety of job assignments. This employee performs tasks related to road and bridge maintenance and construction and works under general supervision with work reviewed for results achieved.

Construction Equipment Operator 2 – West Chester, PA
Participate in project completion through operation of medium duty heavy equipment e.g. loaders, backhoes, trackhoes, forklifts, etc. and assistance to the site Managers on lesser tasks. When not operating equipment, participate in general labor tasks. The individual’s degree of involvement is dependent on his/hers experience and capabilities. Perform related responsibilities as assigned.

Equipment Operator – North Carolina
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; traffic laws, regulations, equipment operation, knowledge of the principles and practices of operating and servicing medium size equipment, working knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary to operate large equipment in heavy traffic and in restricted airfield areas, and knowledge of FAA rules.

Equipment Operator – Carlin, NV
Semi-skilled employees who operate at least one piece of heavy equipment such as loaders, scrapers, excavators and rubber-tired dozers. Employees will work under minimal supervision in environments where the primary objective is safe production.

Crane Operator – Mexico, MO
Operates hydraulic, electric and friction cranes to unload and backload heavy loads (supplies, equipment and personnel to and from vessels). Moves drill pipe when necessary.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Greencastle, IN
Ability to safely and effectively operate the equipment while assessing the surroundings (trucks, people, type of waste, surface grade, etc.). Must be able to operate at least three of the following: crawler tractor, scraper, articulated dump truck, back hoe, motor grader and trash or dirt compactor. Understands proper operation for equipment, gauges and their proper operating ranges. Adequate dexterity and reflexes for pushing/pulling.

Support Equipment Operator II – Empire, CO
Operations include both primary and byproduct molybdenum mines, integrated global operations, and local customer care. We provide our worldwide partners with the most reliable supply and highest quality molybdenum and rhenium products.

Support Equipment Operator I – Mine Operations – Bagdad, AZ
Performs duties related to the operation of heavy equipment in support of production including de-watering, materials delivery, maintaining berms, and surface maintenance at a skilled level.

Heavy Equipment Operators – Carrollton, KY
ASAP opening for Heavy Equipment Operators with 2 to 5 years experience.

Engineering Equipment Operator (Fire Dozer Operator) – Elko, NV
Seeking a dynamic and energetic individual.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Apex, NC
An employee in this class performs a variety of skilled equipment operation tasks operating heavy equipment for construction, maintenance and repair of utility lines and related appendices. Works involves operating heavy equipment such as backhoes in situations requiring skill and care to dig around underground and overhead utility lines, near traffic and in other tight places. When not operating equipment, the employee assists other crew members in building, repairing and replacing.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Seguin, TX
A leading provider of services to steel companies throughout the United States and Canada, has an opening for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our job site.

Heavy Equipment Operator Crane – Minneapolis, MN

Driver – CDL – Crane/Boom – Zimmerman, MN
Under moderate supervision, drives delivery vehicle to transport materials to location or production site that requires the operation of a crane or boom in the loading and off loading of materials. Operates crane or boom on delivery truck, including rigging, planning and hoisting of a variety of heavy construction materials.

Equipment Operator/Off Road Truck Driver – Black Hawk, MS

Heavy Equipment Operator – Streets – Victoria, TX
Operates heavy maintenance and construction equipment and assists the work of a crew who constructs, maintains and repairs streets and storm drainage systems. Knowledge of proper equipment used in the repair and maintenance of streets and storm drainage systems.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Baltimore, MD
$15k relocation incentive available for qualified applicants. Operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers, skid steers, front-end loaders and excavators. Relocation allowance offered for qualified candidates.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Orlando, FL
Performs skilled work in the operation of complex construction maintenance equipment, Performs tasks of more than average difficulty involving the safe operation and routine maintenance of assigned equipment.

Some of these positions require multi-skilled operators. If you have an skill gaps, check out our heavy equipment training website. We can help you quickly fill those gaps ready for multi-skilled employment.

Many skills that are learned in the military are the same skills that are needed in many non-military industries. This is especially true when it comes to the world of construction, engineering and heavy equipment. The discipline and drive instilled in veterans are needed in this industry now more than ever, and with just a few weeks of training, veterans can go from the battle field to the construction site earning great wages in this pride-filled industry.

This industry, much like the military, is a results driven industry that will be a great fit for veterans of multiple military disciplines. There are many jobs in the military that lead directly to jobs in the heavy equipment and construction related fields, so the veteran can easily transfer this knowledge to become certified in multiple disciplines. Many choose to start with heavy equipment operator training and then move on to crane training or even rigger and signal person training. All of these classes are short and can get the veteran out on the work site quickly earning an excellent income.

There are also many other military professions that, although not directly related to construction, can make a smooth transition into this industry. After all, tank drivers can easily transfer their skills into driving a bulldozer. Many other drivers and operators of military vehicles and machinery can find rewarding careers in the heavy equipment fields, an easy transition.

The life of a soldier is one of constant training, which makes a veteran a great fit in the construction industry. This is an industry where a great deal of importance is put on training, mainly for safety, but also to ensure the job is done correctly the first time. Heavy equipment training truly is a great fit for veterans of any discipline.

Once a worker has completed the Heavy Equipment Operator training, he will often head right out to his new career at an engineering or construction company. The new skills that have been taught will begin to become second nature with the experience gained in the field. At this time, a worker will either decide that he or she is happy working as a heavy equipment operator, or that he is looking for something more from his career. There are many paths that can be taken at this point, but one route that can be chosen in this decision making process is to move into crane operations.

Crane operators require some additional training and skills above the requirements for a heavy equipment operator to safely operate these mammoth machines. To be able to operate a crane on a work site, the passing of a certification test is required. With these additional requirements comes more responsibility regarding safety and effective work practices, but with these additional requirements also comes additional pay for the crane operator. In many workers’ eyes, this additional crane operator training is well worth the time spent to ensure a higher salary at the end of the day.

Crane operator training can be a huge investment in any worker’s future. In about a month, a heavy equipment operator can be trained and certified to operate a crane and advance his career. Crane operators are in high demand right now due to the “baby boomer” generation reaching retirement age. Now is a great time for heavy equipment operators to get the crane operator training under their belts. What better time than now to advance a career?

Many people think they have it all figured out when it comes to picking out their profession. But often, they have no idea what a worker in that field really does on a day-to-day basis. A quick review of what a Heavy Equipment Operator does may help in this decision making process.

Operators are generally going to be working at a construction site, an industrial site or a road paving site, so for the most part the job will be outside in the elements. A Heavy Equipment Operator may operate numerous pieces of machinery such as: excavators, loaders, bulldozers, scrapers and more. Other operators might become highly effective with one piece of equipment and focus their efforts on just that facet of the job.

Another aspect of the Heavy Equipment Operator’s job is the physical work — very rewarding work, but tough none the less. An operator has to have good balance and physical strength to maintain control of his equipment in rough terrain. He also has to have great eye-hand-foot coordination to ensure he can manipulate the equipment with the precision necessary to complete the project. At times, an operator may need to even climb down off of his equipment and help the laborers to get a job done.

One overlooked and less glamorous part of the job is the maintenance and cleaning of the equipment. Minor repairs are often required to be made by the Heavy Equipment Operator on site to ensure the work schedule is maintained. When needed, the equipment will need to be cleaned by the operator to ensure it is maintained in working order at all times.

The life of a Heavy Equipment Operator can be a great one with good pay and a true sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. But, as with anything in life, great rewards come from hard work and responsibility, and the life of a Heavy Equipment Operator epitomizes this phrase.

As we are so close to Christmas and New Year, many employers reduce their recruitment efforts preferring to wait until the new year when there are less distractions. That doesn’t mean that all employers stop recruiting – many are still hard at work, even on Christmas Day, and they have a constant need for operators. Our Job Site will continue to list any vacancies over this holiday period, so if you’re looking for work in the heavy equipment, truck driving or crane operations, check by regularly to see what’s on offer. A recap of recent opportunities include positions for:

Heavy Equipment Operator – Temple, TX
Highly motivated and skilled heavy equipment operator required. Various sizes and weights in loading, hauling and unloading of equipment, materials and supplies.

Equipment Operator II – Alexandria, VA
Operates one or more types of heavy automotive equipment.

Heavy equipment Low-Boy Driver – Rochester, NY
Electric transmission right-of-way clearing, Commercial, D.O.T, Utility, Gas Pipeline, Clearing, Civil Work, Storm Response and Municipal Contracting and Vegetation Recycling.

Heavy Equipment Operators – Cogan Station, PA
Operate heavy equipment and perform laborer duties as required.

State Park Equipment Operator – Weott, CA
This position transports and operates heavy equipment including but not limited to, backhoes, graders, excavators, tractors, patch trucks, water trucks,

Heavy Equipment Operator – Church Hill, TN
This job could require pushing, compacting, grading, loading or hauling waste or dirt and could require working alone or teaming with other heavy equipment.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas. As we approach 2012, it may be time to consider career changes. If heavy equipment operations, truck driving or crane operations are high on your list of options, then check out our training options – we can help you enter a new career in next to no time.

Short week this week for job listings, but that doesn’t mean the jobs we do have – or the job (singular) – isn’t important. Every job is important in the heavy equipment business.

This week, we’ve got a job from a respectable employer. It’s a trucking company with a national reputation and they offer great pay with benefits. Over the road.

If you like adventure, being away from home, seeing the country, and getting paid well for your efforts, then look up the ATS Heavy Equipment School and check out our heavy equipment job listings. We have a list of the best heavy equipment and truck driving jobs from the best employers in the industry.

Associated Training Services is beginning a new column this week that we hope will become one of your favorites. We’ll be highlighting job listings within the heavy equipment industry. There are a lot of them and we expect the list to grow.

This week’s job listings include:

• A transportation company with multiple offices nationwide is looking for alert drivers for local and long haul deliveries.
• A contractor in Huntsville, Alabama is looking for bulldozer, pan scraper, construction tractor, and asphalt distributor operators.
• A company in Livermore, California needs crane operators locally and excavating equipment operators all over the state.
• In Johnson City, Texas, a construction trenching firm is seeking oilfield workers to help with trenching for pipelines. Starting pay is $15-$20 and you get per diem.
• Relay driver needed from Madison, Wisconsin to Fremont, Indiana and back, six nights a week for $21.11 per hour.
• Deliver roofing supplies in Columbus, Canton, and Mentor, Ohio for a recognized supply company.

This is just the tip of iceberg where heavy equipment job listings are concerned. Look for this list every Saturday. Brought to you by the premier heavy equipment job site online, a service of ATS Heavy Equipment Operator School.