Heavy Equipment Operator or Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. Construction equipment operators typically do the following: Check to make sure that equipment functions properly Clean, maintain, and make basic repairs to equipment Report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors Move levers, push pedals, or turn valves to activate power equipment Drive and maneuver equipment Coordinate machine actions with crew members in response to hand or audio signals