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What do Operating Engineers do?

Operating Engineers fall into two categories:  
Crane Operating Engineers (or Hoisting Engineers
and
Heavy Equipment Operators

Descriptions:

Crane Operating Engineers or Hoisting Engineers are involved in the set-up and operation of electric-powered cranes (Tower Crane Operator) or Mobile cranes with booms that are mounted on crawlers and wheels (Mobile Crane Operator). They calculate crane capacity and weights, hoist, raise, move and position objects and loads that weigh in the tons in response to audio or hand signals from crew members. They perform difficult maneuvers in sometimes tricky situations.

Heavy Equipment Operators operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, graders, dozers and excavators used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures as well as surface mining and quarrying activities. Some will specialize in one or more types of heavy equipment such as: