Behind the Machines: The Role of a DOT Heavy Equipment Operator

If you’re looking to enter the world of heavy equipment operation, you may be surprised to learn that there are state or local job opportunities out there that can support your career goals. The Department of Transportation, both on a regional and national scale, have plenty of jobs for heavy equipment operators. Infrastructure is supported by DOT heavy equipment operators. Here, we’ll dive into what a DOT heavy equipment operator does and how PTS can set you up for a successful career.

What a DOT Heavy Equipment Operator Does

There are plenty of opportunities for heavy equipment operators to find long-lasting careers in departments of transportation. DOT heavy equipment operators have an important role in maintaining roads and bridges, as well as keeping highways safe. You’ll likely be operating skid steers, backhoes, tractors, dump trucks, and snow plows.

A DOT heavy equipment operator can be expected to perform maintenance along the highways, such as repair work. They’ll also work on DOT-mandated construction projects. This can include pothole repair, repaving projects, sidewalk construction, and more. Just like in any other industry, DOT heavy equipment operators will be expected to safely operate machinery by loading and unloading materials, such as construction equipment, building materials, or soil.

There are plenty of opportunities to work in different Departments of Transportation, across a variety of levels: federal, state, and local. At the federal level, you can consider working for the Federal Transit Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or the Federal Highway Administration. Each of these divisions works to provide highway services, which encompasses safety, traffic operations, bridges, right-of-way, construction and maintenance, highway beautification, and more. Those job functions will also be expected of you, although at a smaller scale, for state and local Department of Transportation jobs. You can expect competitive salaries, benefits, and some even provide pensions. No matter where you look, there are plenty of job opportunities available for DOT heavy equipment operators.

How PTS Can Set You Up For a Career as a DOT Heavy Equipment Operator

Now that you understand the duties and benefits of a Department of Transportation heavy equipment operator, you need to figure out how to get started. PTS can help you with this first step.

At PTS, we are well-prepared to help you start on your journey to becoming a heavy equipment operator. As one of the premier heavy equipment operator training programs in the country, we are invested in your success. Our programs combine classroom instruction with in-the-seat practical training so that you have experience operating a variety of equipment. Our three-week, 120-hour courses are comprehensive and the perfect preparation for your new career.

How do you know which course might be right for you? Let’s take a closer look at our heavy equipment courses:

Heavy Equipment Operator 1: In this entry-level course, you’ll learn the basics of heavy equipment operation and safety. You’ll gain experience operating skid steers, backhoes, wheel loaders, and more. You’ll also learn some preventative maintenance. This course will prepare you to find employment operating many types of equipment that are used in the Department of Transportation.

Heavy Equipment Operator 2: This is a follow-up course where you will continue your education. Here, you’ll learn how to operate bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and more. You’ll also learn excavation math, site work, and finishing and grading. In addition, you’ll learn how to interpret civil drawings, which is an important skill for a DOT heavy equipment operator. This course will qualify you for a wide range of heavy equipment jobs, including with the Department of Transportation.

Get Started With PTS Today

PTS is capable of preparing you for a long-lasting career as a DOT heavy equipment operator. Our courses will teach you all you need to know about heavy equipment operation, and you don’t even need a college degree for our programs. A 9th-grade math and reading level is satisfactory. Our facility is located in Thornville, Ohio, a prime location for students from all over the country. While we don’t provide accommodations, we are happy to offer recommendations while you are attending our three-week program. Schedule a tour of our facility today to receive a $500 tuition reduction scholarship.