Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.

Tasks Include:

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.
Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: No Data

National: -22.9%

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Two: Some Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$64,070.00

State

$65,420.00

Regional

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Description

Career Cluster:

Architecture & Construction

Career Cluster:

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Education

Required Level of Education

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 52.59%
Less than a High School Diploma = 39.96%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 6.15%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 1.30%

Related Work Experience

None = 25.45%
Up to and including 1 month = 16.88%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 15.42%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.60%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.24%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 11.25%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 2.16%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Up to and including 1 month = 36.96%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 19.35%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 18.22%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15%
None = 10.47%

On-the-Job Training

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 45.31%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 27.07%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 11.25%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 8.79%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 5.47%
None or short demonstration = 1.21%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 0.89%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.
Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.
Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.
Signal workers to move loaded cars.
Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.
Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.
Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.
Maintain records of materials moved.
Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.
Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.
Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
57.00	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
51.00	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Skills

%	Subject	Description
59.50	Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
56.25	Operations Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
53.00	Troubleshooting	Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50.00	Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
68.75	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
59.50	Reaction Time	The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
59.50	Multilimb Coordination	The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
56.25	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
56.25	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
56.25	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
56.25	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
56.25	Rate Control	The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
53.00	Depth Perception	The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
53.00	Trunk Strength	The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
53.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00	Time Sharing	The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
50.00	Auditory Attention	The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
50.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
50.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50.00	Extent Flexibility	The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
85.00	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
76.25	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
74.25	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
72.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
66.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
64.25	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
63.25	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
61.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
59.25	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
57.00	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
54.00	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
76.25	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
75.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
68.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
68.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
68.00	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
67.50	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
65.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
64.75	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
63.75	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
63.75	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
62.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
58.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
57.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
52.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
49.50	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
77.83	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
95.60	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
93.40	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
92.40	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
91.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
90.00	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
89.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
89.00	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
86.60	Exposed to Whole Body Vibration	How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?
83.80	In an Open Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
83.00	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
82.20	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
81.60	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting	How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
80.80	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
78.60	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions	How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
76.60	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
75.80	Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment	How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
73.60	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
73.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
72.00	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
71.60	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
69.40	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
69.20	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
68.60	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
68.00	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
67.00	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
65.40	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
65.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
64.20	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection	How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
63.60	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
63.60	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings	How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
63.60	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
62.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
55.00	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
54.60	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
53.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
52.00	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
51.80	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures	How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
50.60	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$45,250.00	$64,070.00	$72,590.00
Virginia	$61,010.00	$65,420.00	$72,730.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	$61,150.00	$65,420.00	$71,240.00
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	5,300	4,100	-22.9%
Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Transportation Operations Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Architecture & Construction Videos
Overview
Occupations
CareerOneStop Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	4.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	4.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Getting Information	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	3.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	3.5
Handling and Moving Objects	3.5
Performing General Physical Activities	3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	2.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	2.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	2.5
Coaching and Developing Others	2.5
Processing Information	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	2.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	2.5
Thinking Creatively	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	2.5
Documenting/Recording Information	2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	2.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Analyzing Data or Information	2.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0
Performing Administrative Activities	2.0
Selling or Influencing Others	2.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Working with Computers	1.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Related Schools

There are no Related Schools at this time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)