When it comes to excavation, the importance of employing a dragline operator who has the requisite skills and mechanical knowledge cannot be overstated. The individual running the dragline has to ensure all the equipment is maintained and being used for the proper tasks.
When writing up a professional dragline operator job description, make sure you stress the importance of both physical fitness and technical knowledge. These workers have to endure a fair amount of physical exertion while also possessing an acute understanding of each apparatus used in excavating.
Because different machines have their own idiosyncrasies, the skills section of your listing should make mention of the specific equipment that your company employs. Explaining your procedures can help to weed out applicants who might not have the right training. Keep that in mind as you look over the dragline operator job description template below.
Dragline Operator Job Summary
We’re looking for an exceptional candidate to serve as our full-time dragline operator. The right person will join our hardworking team and be charged with operating a number of high-powered rigs. Our job site is always busy, so we need someone who has experience and a strong work ethic. Our professional crew is full of people who love their work and enjoy having an outdoor office. If you like working with your hands and executing a job to perfection, you’re just the person we’re looking for. We expect the most out of our employees, and in exchange you’ll receive competitive pay, full benefits and vacation time.
Job Responsibilities
- Skillfully and carefully operate all levers, pedals and operating boards to maneuver the appropriate dragline attachments, such as shovels and loaders
- Thoroughly analyze digging plans to become familiar with the various stages of a project and the estimated timeline for completion
- Maintain equipment by cleaning, lubricating and repairing any damaged components before each workday begins
- Communicate with the foreman regularly to stay informed about any change in plan or procedure
- Transport materials to the appropriate location on the work site, making sure that all relocation is done in a way that complies with safety standards
- Survey the grounds at the start and finish of each day and note any change in ground conditions that could affect the dig
- Establish paths and routes for moving dragline and other equipment that will ensure safety for both the workers and the equipment being transported
- Learn operating procedures for multiple pieces of equipment and train other workers on those practices
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Valid driver’s license
- Minimum two years’ experience operating dragline and/or loader
- Strong knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job
Preferred:
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Excellent knowledge of materials science
- Strong communication skills
Dragline Operator Job Responsibilities
There are two parts to writing the responsibilities section in a dragline operator job description: the content and the formatting. Make sure that you format this section as a bulleted list. If it is too long, it will intimidate readers, but even qualified candidates may not apply if there is not enough information. To strike an effective balance, you should try to include more than five bullet points, but fewer than nine. Additionally, it is best to use a strong action verb to begin every bullet in the dragline operator job responsibilities section.
When deciding upon the content of this section, remember that your goal is to entice talented professionals to apply. You should be selling the benefits of the position while clearly explaining what the daily responsibilities will be like if they get the job. The following examples will help you get started on your dragline operator job description.
- Operate the dragline machine, using the controls masterfully to gather raw materials
- Perform maintenance on equipment to prevent unnecessary wear and extend machinery lifetime
- Inspect dragline equipment for problems or malfunctions before operating to ensure a properly safe working environment
- Maintain and update working knowledge of dragline machinery, including new developments and techniques
Dragline Operator Job Specifications
At the very end of your dragline operator job description, include a section that explains the required qualifications and skills. You should separate these into two categories: mandatory and preferred qualities. Be sure that you have a firm understanding of which qualifications are deal-breakers before you start explaining the dragline operator job specifications. If you need help identifying these, the hiring managers should be able to provide you with this information.
This section is likely to be the shortest part of your dragline operator job description. Despite this fact, it is still a very important section. This is where you include the information that potential applicants will use when deciding whether or not they qualify. Poorly written qualifications and skills sections can attract far too many unqualified applicants, or not enough talented ones. For the most successful hiring process, you should make an effort to add qualifications that both weed out poor fits for the position while simultaneously encouraging those who are good fits.
- Minimum of five years working with heavy machinery, preferred 10 years
- Excellent communication abilities on the worksite
- Must be fluent in both English and Spanish
- Strong critical thinking, evaluation and analysis skills
- Full dragline machinery certification mandatory