Equipment Operators for the Oil Industry

Heavy equipment operators are always needed, but those who can operate cranes and other heavy equipment for the oil industry are in great demand. While many heavy equipment operators work a 40-hour week, those who work in the gas and oil industry often must work overtime and rotating shifts.

Those who work in the oil industry might have to work during inclement weather and can expect to be in a remote, noisy, dusty, and dirty work environment. To get a job working with heavy equipment, you must have undergone the proper training and you will need to take all the necessary safety precautions. You will need to wear protective gear that includes steel-toe boots, gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

Heavy Equipment Operators in the Oil and Gas Industry

Heavy equipment operators operate different kinds of heavy equipment to grade, excavate, and landscape earth or move equipment and materials. Heavy equipment is needed in the oil and gas industry to maintain roads to oilfields, pipeline right-of-ways, and wellpads while also helping with the mining and reclamation of oil sands.

While there are some heavy equipment operators who can handle several different kinds of equipment, there are those who specialize and focus on one specific machine. Here are some of the typical heavy equipment roles in the oil industry and gas industry:

• Bulldozer operators
• Backhoe operators
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Power shovel operators
• Grader operators
• Heavy haul truckers
• Motor scrapers
• Buggy operators

Those who operate heavy equipment in the oil industry and gas industries are usually responsible for lubricating, refilling fluids, cleaning and maintaining the equipment, and conducting pre-operational inspections on the equipment. Also, some employers may expect heavy equipment operators to perform minor repairs on the equipment they operate.

Training and Experience

To operate heavy machinery in the oil industry and gas industry, the individual must have the proper training. That means you will need to have a high school diploma and heavy equipment operating courses along with on-the-job training. ATS operates a heavy equipment operator training school. To learn more, call (800) 383-7464.