Operating Engineers cover a variety of job classifications in industries such as highway and building construction (sometimes called Hoisting and Portable, descriptive of the type of equipment used), mining, toll ways, municipalities, tunnels, slag, landscaping, power plants, refineries, railroads, quarries, plants that produce rock, sand and gravel, logging, utility work such as gas, water and sewer excavation. Being a construction equipment operator can be a rewarding career. It requires good hand-eye coordination and a high level of physical stamina. Working outdoors is one of the advantages of being an operator, but the work is sometimes hazardous and the equipment is very noisy. Almost all of the work performed by Operating Engineers, including some of the mechanics work, takes place outdoors, in all kinds of weather and conditions. You can expect to be cold in the winter, hot in the summer, and dirty, greasy, muddy, and dusty in between.