What Is a Dozer Operator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A dozer operator drives a bulldozer at construction sites or during other types of industrial operations. In this job, your duties include moving soil, rocks, and debris and leveling the ground. You control the tractor and also operate the shovel or blade on the front of the vehicle. A dozer operator’s responsibilities can vary, but you usually receive instructions or guidance from a foreman or site supervisor. A dozer driver is a heavy equipment operator. In some jobs, you operate other types of heavy equipment in addition to the bulldozer. Heavy equipment can include a backhoe, dump truck, or excavator.

To become a dozer operator, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Though some heavy equipment operator jobs require a degree in engineering or a related field, a dozer operator job usually only requires an apprenticeship, license, and on the job training. You study the basics of construction and bulldozer operation to help you gain practical skills and a foothold in your career. Some states may require you to obtain a license in heavy equipment operation. This process usually involves both a written and practical exam and must be renewed every five years.