Operating Engineers

Aspiring operating engineers obtain experience by completing an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

Mechanical aptitude and eye, hand, and foot coordination are essential in skills for operating engineers. Due to the high risk of accidents when an operating engineer is inattentive, competent operating engineers must be serious and responsible on the job, making sure that everyone follows safe operating procedures and setting a good example for other workers on the site. Other personality traits found in an exemplary operating engineer include a cooperative attitude toward others and initiative and independence in taking on responsibilities.

Qualified operating engineers should be healthy and strong in order to be able to work in sometimes noisy and dirty conditions and in all kinds of climates and weather.