Program

Associate of Technical Study in Heavy Equipment Management

The Heavy Equipment Management program provides practical academic lessons and hands-on experience for developing multiple skill sets utilized in industries using heavy machinery. These skills help individuals interested in entering the various industries that use heavy equipment to build, maintain and advance communities and infrastructure.

This program allows students to become proficient in operating machines such as a bulldozer, tracked excavator, backhoe, road grader, skid steer, vibratory compactor, wheel loader and off road dump truck. The hands-on training emphasizes safety and includes maintenance procedures, pre-start checks, shut down procedures and optical or laser grade checking instruments.

Heavy Equipment Management courses are offered at the Main Campus in Nelsonville, Ohio and the Perry Campus in New Lexington, Ohio.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Technical Study in Heavy Equipment Management:

• Identify safety matters involved with heavy equipment and construction sites, and maintain and wear all personal protective safety equipment;
• Perform walk-around prestart inspection procedures;
• Read blueprints and topographical maps, operate a bubble level and a laser transit, and figure slope percentages;
• Effectively use a computer to develop data-keeping information, figure site plan dimensions, and keep maintenance and time sheet records;
• Perform basic welding functions, basic hydraulic system analysis, and small engine and mechanical repairs as needed;
• Communicate with the public and co-workers in a professional, responsible, and conscientious manner;
• Properly figure grade, slope percentage, excavation depth, bench height, and cubic foot load amounts on any construction site;
• Operate a variety of pieces of equipment efficiently, effectively, responsibly, and safely alone, with co-workers, and around the public;
• Utilize land management skills such as positive drainage, proper fertilizing, water quality and soil pH testing, and use of Flue Gas Desulphurization material in streams and ponds; and,
• Administer proper shutdown procedures and post walk-around inspection, and secure all equipment for proper parking.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

The Heavy Equipment Management program prepares graduates for occupations in:

•    Construction/Extraction
•    Highway Maintenance
•    Pipeline, Landfill
•    State and National Forest Trail Maintenance and Construction
•    Commercial Truck Driving
•    Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Sales
•    Environmental Restoration
•    Landscaping
•    Environmental Testing
•    Consulting
•    Equipment Rentals, Transportation
•    Site Development
•    Agricultural Land Cleaning and Drainage