Construction plant operator
Use large machines and vehicles, like diggers and cranes, to get big jobs done for roadworks, construction demolition and in quarries and railways.
Also known as: plant operator
About the job
What it's like
You would use large machines and vehicles, like diggers and cranes, to get jobs done on construction and demolition sites, roadworks, and in industrial sites like quarries and railways.
You could use machines such as:
excavators or diggers
dumper trucks
bulldozers
loading shovels
mobile and crawler cranes
tower cranes
compactors used for levelling work areas
piling rigs
concrete pumps
You would carry out daily safety checks on the machine you are using so a basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics would be necesary. You would also change the buckets and other attachments.
You might also use forklifts to unload and move materials around the site.
If you operated a crane, you would work with a slinger signaler who would attach the loads and direct you by signals or radio.
Hours
You would usually work around 40 hours a week, but your working hours may vary depending on deadlines.
Environment
Most of your work will be outdoors, and conditions could be noisy and dirty. You may work at heights, for example when operating a tower crane or a larger excavator.
Travel
You would travel between jobs, and some contracts may involve overnight stays away from home.
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Related industries
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Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- heavy equipment
- water quality analysis
- transfer station
- heat exchanger
- rotating equipment
- automatic control
- iosh working safely
- digestive system
- bulk material handling
- waste treatment
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- concentrating
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
There are no formal qualifications required for entry to this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.
Qualifications that demonstrate an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as:
Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF Level 3)
Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 4/5)
You usually need to pass an aptitude test to enter this role.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
Plant operators who work in the construction industry must hold a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card.
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