Explore Surface Mining Equipment Operator Jobs & Vacancies | Find your Opportunity Today’s

Are you interested in working with heavy equipment? Do you have good hand-eye coordination and stamina? If so, consider pursuing a career as a surface mining equipment operator. In this role, you will use heavy equipment to recover minerals from the earth's surface in open pit or strip-mining operations.

What do Surface Mining Equipment Operators Do?

Surface mining equipment operators are primarily involved in two types of operations in Alberta: mining energy minerals (like coal or heavy oil sands) and extracting non-metallic minerals (such as sand, gravel, and lime). The specific methods and equipment used can vary depending on the type and location of the mineral.

Equipment and Responsibilities

As a surface mining equipment operator, you will operate a range of equipment including backhoes, dozers, scrapers, haul trucks, graders, loaders, and more. Your responsibilities may also include using draglines, shovels, or other equipment to remove overburden and expose the ore. Some materials may be transported using conveyor belts.

Safety and Skills Required

Safety is a top priority in this profession, so you will be responsible for identifying hazards, performing equipment inspections, and maintaining logs. You will also need to clean, lubricate, and refuel your equipment. To succeed in this role, good hand-eye coordination, hearing, eyesight, mechanical aptitude, agility, stamina, and commitment to safety are essential.

Career Opportunities and Rewards

If you're interested in pursuing this career, you can find it listed under various National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes such as Heavy Equipment Operators. With an average salary of $33.15 per hour and a demand of approximately 16,900 operators per province per year, this career can be a rewarding choice for those interested in heavy equipment operation in the mining industry.