360 Excavator Operator

Also known as - 360 driver, 360 digger driver.

A 360 excavator operator controls a large digging machine which sits on a rotating base, allowing them to pick up large amounts of earth or other materials, and move them anywhere within the vehicle’s radius. 360 excavator operators use these machines to clear ground for new developments such as housing or roads and may also dig foundations.

Vehicles-Machinery
Secondary qualifications
Sporty-working with hands
Working alone

What does a 360 excavator operator do?

As a 360 excavator operator, you will be responsible for driving a 360 digger on a construction site. A typical day could see you excavating and levelling ground according to site plans and moving heavy objects on site.

The job role of a 360 excavator operator involves the following duties: 

Operating 360 excavators safely
Interpreting technical plans and observing site markings and laser levels
Carrying out routine machine inspections
Fitting and operating ancillary equipment
Digging foundations and levelling ground
Demolishing existing structures or breaking up concrete
Landscaping terrain in preparation for building new structures
Carrying out lifting operations involving large materials
Dredging ditches and rivers and laying pipes to supply water to buildings
Adhering to strict health and safety guidelines

How to become a 360 excavator operator

There are several routes to becoming a 360 excavator operator. You could complete a specialist college course or an apprenticeship and gain further qualifications and experience to help you move into the role.

To become a 360 excavator operator, you will require a valid Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card which can be gained through studying at a training provider.

Many employers are also interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You can enrol on a specialist training course to learn how to be a 360 excavator operator, if you have some experience of plant operations and a full driving license.

To gain experience, you could study for a Level 2 Certificate in Construction Plant Operations or a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment before undertaking further training in 360 excavation.

Apprenticeship

There is not a specific apprenticeship for a 360 excavator operator, however you could start your career as an apprentice plant operator and specialise in 360 excavator operation later on.

You may need GCSEs (including English and Maths) or equivalent, to do an apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience as a plant operator, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a 360 excavator operator. Your employer may be able to support you through any required training.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a plant operator or 360 excavator operator. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a 360 excavator operator include: 

Patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Good attention to detail
Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
Ability to work well with others
Good spatial awareness
Ability to operate and control equipment.

Qualifications

England

To become a 360 excavator operator you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations
Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a 360 excavator operator you could complete a:

Level 2 SVQ in Plant Operations at SCQF Level 5
Plant Engineer Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5

Wales

To become a 360 excavator operator you could complete a:

Level 2 Construction Plant Operative NVQ
Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

How much could you earn as a 360 excavator operator?

The expected salary for a 360 excavator operator varies as you become more experienced.

The expected salary for a 360 excavator operator varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained 360 excavator operators can start at £25,000
- Trained with experience 360 excavator operators can earn up to £50,000*
Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources