Description
Operate scoop loaders at surface mining sites to excavate, move, and load loose materials, following plans and signals while performing inspections and basic maintenance.
- • Handle slides, muddy conditions, and pit cleanup or maintenance tasks.
- • Operate scoop loader controls to dig, lift, carry, and dump materials safely.
- • Conduct pre-shift inspections and set up the scoop for operation.
- • Follow hand signals, grade stakes, and survey markers to meet specifications.
- • Review digging plans and understand machine capabilities, limits, and safe procedures.
- • Backfill excavations, build stockpiles, windrow material, and blend ore as directed.
- • Lubricate, adjust, and replace wear parts such as bucket teeth and cutting edges.
- • Move material short distances within the pit, stockpiles, and load-out areas.
- • Measure and verify grades, slopes, and material depths as required.
- • Receive and confirm dispatch or supervisor instructions for material type and destination.
- • Adjust approach and cut angles to suit overburden depth and bench conditions.
- • Drive the scoop between work areas, adhering to site traffic rules.
- • Perform manual cleanup and hand shoveling in tight or sensitive areas.
- • Coordinate with spotters and ground crews for truck spotting and safe movements.
- • Maintain stability by managing bucket loads and operating on suitable ground.
- • Create and maintain ramps, access pads, and berms.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
