What is an Operating Engineer?

An Operating Engineer can be found on numerous projects using construction equipment, working as Heavy Equipment Operators, Heavy Equipment Mechanics, and Service Oilers. The Operating Engineers work is vital to the successful completion of any construction project, no matter the size. In addition, the Operating Engineer works side by side with other crafts on the jobsite to complete the project. A career as an Operating Engineer is worthy of a great deal of pride and the sense of accomplishment for a job well done.

Heavy Equipment Operators operate a variety of equipment including:

• Dozers, Loaders, Excavators, Motor Graders, Scrapers, Articulated Trucks and Rollers
• Concrete and Asphalt Pavers/Spreaders, Concrete Mixers and Pump Trucks
• Side Booms, Bending and Cleaning Machines, Boring and Trenching Machines
• Cranes, Forklifts, Derricks and Dredges, Hoists, Shovels, Clam Shells and Pile Driving Equipment
• Generators, Compressors, Pumps, and Plants (Asphalt, Concrete, Batch/Mixing, Crushing, Screening/Wash)

Heavy Equipment Mechanics repair and maintain many types of Earthmoving, Hoisting and Paving equipment used in the trade throughout Alaska. (See equipment list above)

In addition, Heavy Equipment Mechanics work at Power Generation Stations, Gravel Pits, and Shops.

Heavy Duty Service Oilers lubricate all types of Earthmoving equipment, from the largest Crawler Tractors down to the smallest pump and everything in between. The Service Oilers job us the heartbeat of any construction project. They are the eyes and ears for the Master Mechanic.

While each operator may have their favorite type of equipment to operate, typically they are able to run various types. A mechanic has a wide variety of equipment they are responsible for  and the service oiler is essential for any project. This versatility keeps members of the IUOE employable seeing as an employers needs are varied from project to project.