Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
How AI Impacts Each Task
16 tasks analyzed
Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
Drive machines to work sites.
Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 25% | |
| Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications. | 25Estimated | 19.0% | 10% | |
| Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 15% | |
| Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 3% | |
| Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% | |
| Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 8% | |
| Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 4% | |
| Create or maintain inclines or ramps. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 5% | |
| Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% | |
| Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 3% | |
| Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 3% | |
| Drive machines to work sites. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% | |
| Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis