Program

Associate of Technical Study in Heavy Equipment Management

The Heavy Equipment Management program responds to the growing concern for our environment and the need for technicians qualified in the restoration of environmentally unstable land and water. You will gain experience in surveying, mapping, land management and soils, and heavy equipment maintenance, operation and repair.

Heavy equipment operation allows students to become proficient in small, medium and large dozers, trackhoe, excavator, rubber tired backhoe, road grader, and off-road dump trucks. Hands-on training includes safety, maintenance procedures, pre-checks, start-up, and actual operation of the equipment.

You may choose to complete the Heavy Equipment Management program at either the main campus or Perry Campus in New Lexington, Ohio.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Technical Study in Heavy Equipment Management:

• Identify safety matters involved with heavy equipment and construction sites, and maintain and wear all personal protective safety equipment;
• Perform walk-around prestart inspection procedures;
• Read blueprints and topographical maps, operate a bubble level and a laser transit, and figure slope percentages;
• Effectively use a computer to develop data-keeping information, figure site plan dimensions, and keep maintenance and time sheet records;
• Perform basic welding functions, basic hydraulic system analysis, and small engine and mechanical repairs as needed;
• Communicate with the public and co-workers in a professional, responsible, and conscientious manner;
• Properly figure grade, slope percentage, excavation depth, bench height, and cubic foot load amounts on any construction site;
• Operate a variety of pieces of equipment efficiently, effectively, responsibly, and safely alone, with co-workers, and around the public;
• Utilize land management skills such as positive drainage, proper fertilizing, water quality and soil pH testing, and use of Flue Gas Desulphurization material in streams and ponds; and,
• Administer proper shutdown procedures and post walk-around inspection, and secure all equipment for proper parking.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

The Heavy Equipment Management program prepares graduates for positions as heavy equipment operators, restoration technicians, commercial truck drivers and heavy equipment mechanic.

Depending upon each individual’s academic program, background and history of field experiences, entry-level salaries in the natural resources industry may range from $25,000 - $30,000 annually. A limited number of employers provide room, board, transportation, and uniforms.

Occupation Profile

Hocking College Career Services