Ore Handling Technician
Is this for you?
- You enjoy working with large equipment and industrial systems.
- You like active, hands-on work and problem solving.
- You are safety focused and pay attention to details.
- You want a career connected to large industrial operations.
Why this career is a great choice
Large energy and industrial facilities depend on a constant flow of raw materials, and Ore Handling Technicians help keep that process moving. In this role, you work with conveyor systems, loading equipment, storage areas, and control systems that transport ore and other bulk materials through processing facilities. It’s a hands-on career that combines equipment operation, monitoring, and teamwork.
The work can be fast-paced and active, especially in mining, fuel processing, or industrial energy environments. Over time, many technicians grow into equipment operations, control room, maintenance, or site leadership roles. If you enjoy working with machinery, following processes, and being part of large-scale operations, this career offers a strong pathway into industrial and energy infrastructure work.
Typical Entry Level Salary
$48,310
Source: BLS OEWS (2024)
Explore Career Details
What the job really is
- Move and manage ore or raw materials through industrial systems.
- Operate conveyors, loaders, crushers, or material handling equipment.
- Monitor equipment to make sure materials flow safely and efficiently.
- Inspect systems and report any problems or equipment issues.
- Follow safety and environmental procedures at all times.
A day in the life
- Start the shift with a safety meeting and equipment checks.
- Monitor conveyors, storage systems, or loading operations.
- Adjust equipment settings or respond to material flow issues.
- Communicate with operators, maintenance crews, and supervisors.
- Complete inspections, clean work areas, and document the shift’s activities.
What you will use
- Conveyor and bulk material handling equipment.
- Control panels and monitoring screens.
- Heavy equipment and loading systems.
- Radios and communication tools for coordinating with crews.
- Safety gear like hard hats, gloves, and protective eyewear.
What you need to bring
- Interest in machinery, industrial systems, and hands-on work.
- Strong attention to safety and following procedures.
- Ability to work as part of a team in active industrial environments.
- Willingness to work indoors and outdoors in changing conditions.
- Reliability and readiness to learn equipment operations.
Where this career can take you
You can move up on this path:
- Ore Handling Technician
- Control Room Operator
- Operations Supervisor
- Plant Manager
You can specialize your knowledge in:
- Conveyor and bulk material systems
- Heavy equipment operations
- Industrial processing systems
- Control room and automated operations
- Maintenance and reliability operations
You may also be interested in roles like:
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Plant Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Site Supervisor
This career is in these categories:
Ready to explore real openings for this career path?
Career Pathway Resource
Mining & Extraction
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