Introduction to Mining Science | University of Alaska Southeast

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 47-5022.00

Skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCoordinationPersuasion

Knowledge

MechanicalBuilding and Construction

Abilities

Control PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationDepth PerceptionManual DexterityReaction TimeArm-Hand SteadinessResponse OrientationRate ControlFar VisionSpatial Orientation

Tasks

Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels,
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe dig

Technology

Electronic mail softwareIndustrial control softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation software

Tools

Adjustable wrenchesAir grease gunsAsphalt plantsBackhoesClaw hammersCompact excavatorsComputer terminalsConcrete plantsCrawler mounted draglinesCrusher excavator bucketsDump trucksEarthmover standard bucketsEngineers' levelsExcavator backhoesFlatbed truck trailers

Work Values

SupportIndependenceRelationshipsWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium47-5022.00	Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

Power shovels, scraper loaders, and backhoes — operate routinely with reduced oversight to meet daily production targets on a surface mine bench.
Pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections — complete independently, document findings, and flag maintenance needs using site reporting forms.
Digging plan specifications — read and interpret grade stakes and survey markings to excavate to specified depth and grade without constant supervision.
Backfilling, rock breaking, and incline shaping — perform varied excavation activities adapting technique to soil and rock conditions encountered.
Operator-level troubleshooting — identify common hydraulic, track, or bucket issues and coordinate with maintenance crew for timely repairs.
Oral and written work orders — interpret and prioritize multiple instructions across a shift to maintain efficient material flow on site.
Ramp and incline construction — grade and maintain haul-road ramps to safe slope specifications using machine blade or bucket.
Production monitoring — track cycle times and observe equipment performance indicators to sustain consistent output during a standard shift.
Coordination with haul truck operators — time loading sequences and spot trucks efficiently to minimize wait time and maximize payload.
Winter road construction — operate machinery to compact or blade frozen-ground roads following cold-weather operational procedures.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.