Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
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Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
Sample of reported job titles: Coal Hauler Operator, Load Haul Dump Operator (LHD Operator), Loader Operator, Loading Machine Operator, Miner Operator, Muck Hauler, Production Miner, Ram Car Operator, Shuttle Car Operator, Under Ground Miner
Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
- Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
- Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
- Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.
- Signal workers to move loaded cars.
- Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.
- Notify switching departments to deliver specific types of cars.
- Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.
- Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
- Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
- Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.
- Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
- Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.
- Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- Maintain records of materials moved.
- Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.
- Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- Open and close bottom doors of cars to dump contents.
- Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.
- Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.
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Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software
- Facilities management software — Maintenance management software; Mine maintenance software
- Industrial control software — Automated systems software
- Operating system software — Microsoft Windows
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Time accounting software — Work time accounting software
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
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Knowledge
- Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Skills
- Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities
- Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
- Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
- Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
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Work Activities
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
- Position material handling equipment.
- Operate excavation equipment.
- Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
- Remove debris or damaged materials.
- Operate conveyors or other industrial material moving equipment.
- Clean machinery or equipment.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
- Record operational or production data.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
- Clean equipment or supplies.
- Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement.
- Connect cables or electrical lines.
- Direct material handling or moving activities.
- Inspect equipment or facilities to determine condition or maintenance needs.
- Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
- Measure product or material dimensions.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.
- Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
- Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
- Perform manual service or maintenance tasks.
- Remove debris from work sites.
- Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
- Verify information or specifications.
- Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
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Work Context
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 78% responded “More than 40 hours.”
- In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — 75% responded “Every day.”
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 79% responded “Every day.”
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 73% responded “Every day.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 54% responded “Extremely important.”
- Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — 67% responded “Every day.”
- Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 76% responded “Every day.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 67% responded “Every day.”
- Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 20% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 35% responded “A lot of freedom.”
- Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 38% responded “High responsibility.”
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 65% responded “Every day.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 40% responded “Some freedom.”
- Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 60% responded “More than half the time.”
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 45% responded “More than half the time.”
- Frequency of Decision Making — 22% responded “Once a year or more but not every month.”
- Contact With Others — 36% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 37% responded “Extremely important.”
- Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 42% responded “Every day.”
- Consequence of Error — 37% responded “Serious.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 35% responded “Very important.”
- Physical Proximity — 43% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 40% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
- Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 33% responded “Every day.”
- Time Pressure — 34% responded “Every day.”
- Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 33% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Spend Time Standing — 28% responded “About half the time.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 35% responded “Moderate results.”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 38% responded “Important.”
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 44% responded “Every day.”
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Job Zone
Title | Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed |
Education | These occupations usually require a high school diploma. |
Related Experience | Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. |
Job Training | Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
Job Zone Examples | These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers. |
SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
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Education
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
---|---|
61 | High school diploma or equivalent |
39 | Less than high school diploma |
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Credentials
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Interests
Interest code: RC Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
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Work Styles
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Work Values
- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
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Related Occupations
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2020) | $27.23 hourly, $56,640 annual |
State wages | |
Local wages | |
Employment (2020) | 3,500 employees |
Projected growth (2020-2030) | Decline (-1% or lower) |
Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 400 |
State trends | |
Top industries (2020) |
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data and 2020-2030 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
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Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- International Union of Operating Engineers
- MHI
- National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators
- National Mining Association
- United Mine Workers of America
- United Steelworkers
- Warehousing Education and Research Council
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