Heavy Equipment Operations
Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS
Limited Enrollment: Yes
Program Begins: Fall
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-2429
Email: bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Description
The Heavy Equipment Operations Program is an industry-led program designed to prepare students to enter the construction industry as heavy equipment operators. Students will be introduced to various pieces of equipment, including (but not limited to): dozers, backhoes, graders, excavators, skid steers, etc. Students will learn the essential operation of these pieces of equipment, including start-up and shutdown procedures, controls, uses, and basic maintenance techniques. Students will also be introduced to other valuable skills for a job site, including the basics surrounding safety, hand tools, first aid, and primary work-site considerations. Admission occurs in the Fall. Students are encouraged to apply early as openings are limited.
Preparation
Awareness of these technical standards may help students determine suitability for this career.
- Must have the ability to perform accurate work in a timely fashion, communicate effectively with others, present information in a clear and concise manner, and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Requires good manual dexterity, good color vision and hearing, and ability to speak.
- Requires continuous walking, frequent standing, bending, stooping, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional sitting, crawling, lifting 50 pounds from knee to shoulder high, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
- Requires continuous use of tools and occasional use of foot controls.
- Continuously exposed to noise; frequently exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, chemicals, and extreme head and cold; and occasionally exposed to vibration, poor ventilation, and confined areas.
Requirements
Students who complete the curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Operations.
Program Pathways
The Heavy Equipment Operations Associate in Applied Science may stack into the following Bachelor of Applied Science degree:
Career Opportunities
Heavy Equipment Operators are valuable members of the construction industry and are needed in various work projects including new home construction and renovation, commercial projects, infrastructure improvement and maintenance, etc. Expansion in the construction industry ensures there will always be a need for people with this skill set.