Search online for how-to videos to see how hard this work is to master--and whether it's something you think you'd like. Does seeing this kind of work in action make you more interested in trying it?

Watch tutorials on how to do this kind of work.

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Read an article outlining some of the most common types of mining equipment and why they're important.

Learn more about mining equipment.

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

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.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Mining Machine Operators

Construction and Extraction Occupations

Extraction Workers

Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.

Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.

Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.

Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.

Drive machines into position at working faces.

Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.

Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.

Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.

Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Overview

Career

What Continuous Mining Machine Operators Do

Other Job Titles Continuous Mining Machine Operators May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Overview

Career

What Continuous Mining Machine Operators Do

Other Job Titles Continuous Mining Machine Operators May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers

Related Leaders