The Dirt Desk - Q&A
How Do I Move Up in the Heavy Equipment World?
The heavy equipment world is full of opportunity — but climbing the ladder takes more than just seat time. Whether you’re an operator looking to become a foreman, or an owner-operator dreaming of running your own fleet, moving up in this industry takes skills, reputation, and hustle.
So how do you level up in a field where iron speaks louder than words? Let’s break it down.
Master Your Machine — and Others Too
The fastest way to rise through the ranks is to become the person everyone wants on-site. That means:
- Knowing your primary machine inside and out
- Getting seat time on multiple types of equipment (dozers, excavators, graders, etc.)
- Learning maintenance basics to keep things running in a pinch
- Understanding site flow, grades, and safety protocols
Versatility makes you more valuable — and more promotable.
Invest in Training and Certifications
A strong work ethic goes a long way, but certifications and safety tickets open doors.
Consider:
- H2S, Ground Disturbance, First Aid, WHMIS
- Heavy equipment operator programs (local colleges or union-run)
- Specialized training (e.g., pipelayer, crane operator, GPS/machine control)
Being properly certified shows you’re serious — and helps you qualify for better-paying jobs or leadership roles.
Ask Questions, Not Just for Instructions — but for Insight
There’s no shame in asking how or why something’s done. The top dogs on site didn’t get there by winging it — they learned from others, paid attention, and asked the right questions.
Ask:
- “Why do we slope that cut like this?”
- “What’s the best way to chain this up for hauling?”
- “How do you bid a job like this?”
Curiosity is how operators turn into owners.
Build a Reputation People Trust
Your skills matter, but your attitude travels faster than your résumé.
- Show up early, not just on time
- Take care of your machine like you own it
- Be the person who helps out — not the one who always needs help
- Stay calm under pressure and own your mistakes
People remember who they want beside them when things go sideways. That’s how you earn respect — and job offers.
Learn the Business Side of the Iron Game
If you want to move into supervision or ownership, you need to think beyond the machine.
Start learning:
- How jobs are bid and budgeted
- What equipment costs to own, insure, and maintain
- The difference between hourly work and contracting
- Basics of bookkeeping, financing, and tax prep
Owning a machine is easy. Running a business that makes money with it is the real challenge.
Follow the Work — and Make Smart Moves
Sometimes moving up means moving on — to bigger crews, better outfits, or busier locations. If you’re stuck behind a dead-end foreman or there’s no room to grow, be willing to relocate or switch contractors.
Just make sure you’re leaving for the right reasons:
- More opportunity
- A chance to learn something new
- Better pay and a better future
Burning bridges over a bad week? That’s not a step up — it’s a step back.
Hustle With Intention
In the heavy equipment world, there are no shortcuts. But there are smart moves. Learn everything you can. Show people they can count on you. Ask for more responsibility when you’re ready — and back it up with action.
Whether you’re aiming to run your own crew or buy your first piece of iron, growth doesn’t come from luck — it comes from hustle.
