Description
Operate heavy mining shovels at surface mines to excavate and load blasted rock or overburden into haul trucks safely and efficiently.
- • Operate hoist, crowd, swing, and propel controls to dig, swing, and dump material.
- • Perform pre-shift inspections and set up the shovel for operation.
- • Follow radio and hand signals, grade stakes, and markers to meet plan and specs.
- • Review dig plans, bench layouts, and machine limits to optimize safe production.
- • Trim highwalls and berms and clean loading floors as required.
- • Lubricate, adjust, and perform minor repairs; replace bucket teeth and other GET.
- • Load haul trucks efficiently, managing pass counts, payload, and cycle times.
- • Measure and verify bench elevations, grades, and material types.
- • Follow dispatch and supervisor instructions for material movement and sequencing.
- • Adjust cut depth and dig face angles for changing overburden and geology.
- • Propel the shovel safely between cuts and to new work locations.
- • Assist with site prep and cleanup around the shovel when required.
- • Coordinate with spotters and ground crews for safe access and cable management.
- • Maintain safe clearances and manage swing radius around people and equipment.
- • Build and maintain stable loading pads, ramps, and berms.
- • Monitor conditions and respond to slides, mud, or water; perform pit cleanups.
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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
