Heavy Equipment Operator Crew Contractors and Supervisors

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Crane operators, Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction, Water well drillers, Longshore workers, Material handlers, Heavy equipment operators (except crane), Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers, Railway yard and track maintenance workers, and Public works and maintenance labourers. They work in a wide range of companies that are related to the trade supervised. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
• Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other project supervisors or managers.
• Request materials and supplies.
• Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
• Train or arrange for training of workers.
• Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
• Prepare production and other reports.
• May manage the operations of own company.
• May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
• Small businesses' contractors may carry out tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

• demolition foreperson
• drilling and blasting foreperson
• excavating contractor
• heavy equipment operators supervisor
• logging road construction foreperson
• oil field construction supervisor
• paving contractor
• pipeline construction supervisor
• railway gang foreperson
• railway track maintenance foreperson
• road maintenance foreperson
• water well drilling supervisor

Skills

• Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are needed, and you must be able to work well with a variety of people. You must be responsible and well organized and be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and able to work as part of a team. You should also be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina, alertness and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Several years of experience in the trade supervised is required.
• Journeyperson trade certification in a related trade may be required.

Other considerations

• Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Many may work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. There is some movement between jobs in this group. Movement to management positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts

There are no additional resources for this occupation.