The pay is also comparatively higher than the average in this field. The first thing that you need for this job is proper training and you need to acquire a commercial driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles of your state. This license is necessary while moving on roads and highways. This commercial driving license can make your position better in the eyes of your employer while you are working as a heavy equipment operator.
You can attend a school or some training center that is recognized by NCCER i.e., National Center for Construction Education and Research. Try to get a national certification so that you can move from one state to another without any problem. You can also look for an online course so that you get an outline of the industry and you get familiar with different aspects also. If the online training program has connection with any local training school, you can take the advantage of this.
To start with, you can take up as an apprentice heavy equipment operator job. Get practical knowledge on the job site and educational backing from the online school that you are taking up. Even if you have completed your training and are working for heavy operation jobs, be alert and attend any class that updates your knowledge. Specialization in your work is very important in this operation job and since new machines are technologically updated most often, you need to update your knowledge, both practical and theoretical.
Additionally, you must be aware of the safety rules, surveying and mechanics as well as a basic knowledge of engineering is also good. You should also have the knowledge of some simple mechanics involved so that machine does not stop working because of small faults.
