Heavy Equipment Operator AAS | Central Arizona College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 47-2073.00

Skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceMonitoringActive ListeningTroubleshootingTime Management

Knowledge

MechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and Security

Abilities

Control PrecisionDepth PerceptionMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionFar VisionRate ControlReaction TimeProblem SensitivityArm-Hand SteadinessResponse Orientation

Tasks

Learn and follow safety regulations.
Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, oth
Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as b

Technology

Facilities management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareOperating system software

Tools

15-ton truck cranes18-ton hydraulic cranes20-ton tractorsAdjustable wrenchesAeroil propane kettlesAir compressorsAngle dozersAquatic weed harvestersAsphalt compactorsAsphalt paversAsphalt spreader boxesAxesBackhoe attachmentsBackhoesBarrier movers

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementIndependenceRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium47-2073.00	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	title_inference	$58,710 median$100,690 top	+3.64%	1,780

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Bulldozers, backhoes, and road graders — operate routinely with reduced oversight to complete earthmoving and grading tasks on residential or commercial job sites.
Workplace safety regulations including OSHA standards — apply consistently during independent equipment operation, adjusting actions when hazard conditions change.
Crew hand signals and radio communications — interpret and act upon with minimal delay to coordinate load placement and machine positioning across a multi-operator site.
Depth gauge markers and alignment references — use to independently position cutterheads and equipment within specified tolerances on trench excavation projects.
Underground utility locates and as-built drawings — review and cross-reference before beginning dig operations to prevent service strikes on urban job sites.
Tractor-drawn machine operators — signal and guide through staged loading and grading sequences, maintaining site production flow without direct supervisor involvement.
Minor mechanical adjustments and emergency field repairs — perform on assigned equipment to minimize downtime during active construction shifts.
Operations monitoring practices — apply during continuous equipment runs to detect abnormal instrument readings, unusual sounds, or performance changes and respond appropriately.
Multilimb coordination across multiple simultaneous controls — demonstrate during routine grading and trenching cycles to maintain consistent cut depth and blade angle.
Facilities management and time accounting software — update daily equipment status records and report maintenance needs through established digital systems.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.