Construction equipment operator is an umbrella term that can cover many different careers. Generally speaking, a construction equipment operator is an individual who operates some form of heavy machinery used in the construction of building, roads, bridges, or other structures. In this position, your duties vary with the type of equipment and projects on which you work. In most cases, you use heavy machinery to move, excavate, extract, or dig up dirt and maneuver or lift construction materials at a construction site. You are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining your equipment, following proper safety standards, and assisting your fellow crew members to do the same.