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Career pathway

Earthmoving Plant Operators

ANZSCO 7212

Employed

51,400

Part-time share

6%

Female share

5%

Median weekly earnings

$1,900

Median age

44 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Earthmoving Plant Operators operate plant to excavate earth, ore and rock, break up pavement, road, rock and obstructions, move and load earth, rock and debris, and level, smooth and compact surfaces in construction and other projects.

What they typically do

  • Preparing and positioning plant for operation
  • Selecting, fitting and removing attachments such as buckets, winches, loading scoops, shovel blades and rock breaking hammers
  • Operating controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge out, move, load and spread earth, rock, rubble, soil and other materials
  • Monitoring operation of plant and adjusting controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensuring safety of other workers
  • Raising, lowering and manipulating attachments using manual and hydraulic controls
  • Working from drawings, markers and verbal instructions
  • Servicing, lubricating, cleaning and refuelling plant and performing minor adjustments and repairs

States and territories

Share of workers by location

QLD
28.2%
NSW
27.4%
VIC
18.5%
WA
13.7%
SA
7.4%
TAS
3%
NT
1.2%
ACT
0.7%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as an Earthmoving Plant Operators.