Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Surface Mining Equipment Operator
What surface mining equipment operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a surface mining equipment operator?
Pre-shift safety meeting. From there, the day usually includes operate haul trucks, run shovels and loaders, and follow dig plans. 12-hour rotating shifts are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a surface mining equipment operator working full time.
- Pre-shift safety meeting.
- Pre-op inspection.
- Load trucks at the face.
- Break.
- Haul to the crusher.
- Fuel and inspect.
- Shift handoff.
Where surface mining equipment operators work
Operators work outdoors at mines and quarries.
Hours and schedule
12-hour rotating shifts are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate haul trucks
- Run shovels and loaders
- Follow dig plans
- Inspect equipment
- Communicate by radio
- Follow MSHA rules
- Report problems
Tools you’ll use every day
- Haul trucks
- Front-end loaders
- Hydraulic shovels
- Draglines
- Radios
- Fleet management systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay
- Big machines
- Overtime
- No degree needed
What’s hard
- Long shifts
- Remote locations
- Dust and noise
- Industry cycles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love big machines
- I can work 12-hour shifts
- I stay focused
- I care about safety
- I want strong pay
- I don’t mind remote areas
Not sure? Take the free Surface Mining Equipment Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow MSHA rules
- Respect berms
- Watch blind spots
- Wear seatbelts