Job description template

Surface Mining Equipment Operator Job Description Template

A copy-ready surface mining equipment operator job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows surface mining equipment operators earn a median of $57,430 ($27.61/hour); the middle 50% earn $47,890–$65,730.

Job title

Surface Mining Equipment Operator

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable surface mining equipment operator to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will operate haul trucks, run shovels and loaders and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Operate haul trucks
  • Run shovels and loaders
  • Follow dig plans
  • Inspect equipment
  • Communicate by radio
  • Follow MSHA rules
  • Report problems
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of haul truck operation and loader operation
  • Focus and safety awareness
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • MSHA Part 46 or 48
  • CDL
  • Equipment certifications
  • Experience with haul trucks

Skills

  • Excavator operation
  • Pre-op inspection
  • Radio communication
  • MSHA rules
  • Teamwork
  • Reliability

Work environment and schedule

Operators work outdoors at mines and quarries. 12-hour rotating shifts are common.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a surface mining equipment operator job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Surface Mining Equipment Operator” is the clearest; alternates include Haul Truck Driver, Loader Operator, Dragline Operator.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a surface mining equipment operator so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Surface Mining Equipment Operator training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Surface Mining Equipment Operator hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing