Hydraulic Excavator Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Hydraulic Excavator Operator

Best Schools to become a Hydraulic Excavator Operator in U.S. 2024

Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville

Nashville, TN

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:1,053

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705

NTMA Training Centers of Southern California

Santa Fe Springs, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:98

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, WI

In-State Tuition:$4,304
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,455
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:50%
Total Enrollment:11,181

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

De Queen, AR

In-State Tuition:$2,700
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,150
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:1,278

Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:4,621
Hydraulic Excavator Operator Job Description:
  • Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Hydraulic Excavator Operator

Job Duties for Hydraulic Excavator Operators

  • Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.

  • Start and stop engines to operate equipment.

  • Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.

Technologies and Skills Used by Hydraulic Excavator Operators

Data base user interface and query software

  • Teledyne Odom Hydrographic ODOM eChart

Industrial control software

  • HYPACK DREDGEPACK
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software

Mobile location based services software

  • Global positioning system GPS software

Basic Skills

  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Hydraulic Excavator Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Hydraulic Excavator Operator

FAQs About Becoming a Hydraulic Excavator Operator