Quarry Operative
Quarry operatives, also known as quarry workers, use machinery to extract, move and process materials such as rock, sand and gravel. They work with mobile equipment such as excavators and loading shovels, as well as fixed equipment used to crush and sort stone. The work can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in all weathers. Quarry sites can be dusty and noisy, and you’ll need to wear protective equipment.
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- Operate mobile and fixed quarry machinery to move and process materials
- Use crushers and screeners to break down and sort stone by size
- Load quarry products into customer vehicles, bulk bags and bins that feed processing equipment
- Carry out daily checks on vehicles and equipment and help with maintenance
- Keep work areas clean, tidy and safe
- Assess risks before starting work and follow agreed safety procedures
- Act as a lookout during blasting and help handle explosives if appointed to do so
Skills & knowledge
You'll need:
- Practical skills and the ability to operate machinery safely
- Good spoken and written communication skills
- The ability to understand and follow instructions accurately
- The ability to spot hazards and work safely around vehicles and machinery
- A hands-on approach to solving problems
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Reliability, flexibility and the fitness to carry out physical work
Industry Qualifications
Employers may ask for plant operator certificates for the equipment you’ll use, such as excavators, loading shovels, rear-tipping dumpers, screeners or crushers. Depending on the job, an employer may ask for a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card for operating heavy machinery or a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if the work involves going onto construction sites.
For more information about quarrying careers, visit The Institute of Quarrying.