what is a 360 driver?
A 360 excavator is a construction machine with a dipper, bucket, cab and boom on a rotating platform. The machine is typical in construction sites with limited movement space, and the digger heads rotate in a full circle. A 360 driver or a 360 excavator driver can shift materials or dig foundations and trenches in construction sites with its manoeuvrability. As a 360 driver, your job is to operate the 360 excavators for various functions on the construction site.
what does a 360 driver do?
Your primary role as a 360 driver is to control the excavator and use it to clear work sites for new development projects. Apart from housing projects, you also use the excavator for road construction and other infrastructure projects. Some companies use 360 excavators to dredge rivers and ditches, do general landscaping and prepare work sites for large scale pipework because the diggers can dig deep.
As a 360 driver, you need high experience operating an excavator, and some employers may require a licence or specialised training. A 360-degree excavator has multiple heavy parts that can cause severe injuries and accidents. Hence safety during operation is crucial to keep the construction site safe. As a driver, you are also involved in the maintenance of the 360 excavators. You have to be detail-oriented to discover problems and technical issues in the machinery.
Would working as a 360 driver suit your interest in operating machinery and detail-oriented skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a 360 driver role.
average salary of a 360 driver
The median salary of a 360 driver according to ONS is between £17,000 and £40,000 per year. Your starting income is £17,000 per year, but your compensation package increases as you build your experience. 360 drivers with transferable skills earn over £40,000 annually. You can boost your take-home salary with overtime pay and bonuses. A 360 driver also receive various allowances and benefits like medical insurance and paid vacation days.
what factors affect your salary as a 360 driver?
As a 360 driver, your experience, skills and education impact your basic salary and benefits. If you have extensive experience, you can earn more than 360 drivers starting their careers. Having post-secondary education boosts your pay since you have additional skills and expertise.
The employer also influences your salary. For instance, working for a multinational construction company improves your salary prospects, unlike working for a start-up with limited resources. The private sector has higher pay rates than public sector projects like roads and bridges. The project complexity also determines your pay structure. If you work on complex construction projects that require a lot of digging to prepare the foundation, your earnings should reflect the job's complexity.
types of 360 drivers
360 drivers differ based on the types of excavators they operate. Some types of 360 drivers include:
- standard 360 excavator driver: a standard excavator has a bucket arm that extends to dig soil or scoop materials from the construction site. You can use the excavator to dig, move or dump materials within its radius without moving since the excavator cab rotates 360 degrees. The excavators run on parallel tracks instead of wheels and provide traction in sloped landscapes.
- wheeled excavator operator: as this type of 360 driver, you operate a wheeled excavator instead of one with tracks. While they accomplish similar tasks, it is only suited for challenging terrains. Transporting wheeled excavators is straightforward since you don't have to haul them on a trailer like tracked excavators.
working as a 360 driver
Working as a 360 driver involves controlling large digging machines sitting on a rotating base. You will use the machines to scoop soil or other materials and move them to facilitate construction work. Let's explore some of the responsibilities involved in the profession.
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360 driver job description
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a 360 driver include:
- setting up the equipment and operating: most times, a 360 excavator is transported on a trailer. That means the attached parts are removed to ease transport. Your job is to assemble the excavator parts and prepare them for use. You also operate the excavators according to the safety procedures.
- digging holes and trenches: the primary role of a 360 driver is to drill holes and trenches using an excavator. As a 360 driver, you need to attach the appropriate ancillary equipment for the digging project. You also need to interpret the technical plans and understand the site markings. A 360 excavator allows you to dig and scoop soil or materials without moving or changing the equipment.
- demolishing houses and structures: as a 360 driver, your job also involves demolition projects. You use the excavator to break walls and bring down a building or structure. You can also crush the waste from the demotion and break them into small pieces before scooping them into dump trucks.
- moving materials in construction sites: as a 360 driver, you assist with removing waste from one area to another. You can also use a 360 excavator to move or lift heavy materials to the construction crew working in storeyed buildings.
- removing snow: you can use the excavator to remove snow from roads and pathways during winter. Buckets have slim teeth for digging and trenching or smooth buckets for scooping materials.
- dredging rivers and laying pipes: as a 360 driver, your role can involve dredging rivers or laying pipes that supply water to buildings. You dig into the ground to make it easy for workers to install the pipes.
- performing routine equipment maintenance: after every job, you need to clean the excavator bucket and other attachments before storage. You also conduct regular inspections to check for damages and areas that need repairs. If the excavator is to be transported, you disassemble the parts to ensure it fits on the trailer.
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work environment
As a 360 driver, you work outdoors digging trenches and holes or removing snow during winter. In construction sites, you dig foundations and use the excavator for landscaping. You have to drive the 360 excavator on slopes and uneven terrains. You also work in mining sites, digging underground and lifting raw minerals to trucks. A 360 driver needs protective equipment like goggles and a hard hat to prevent accidents and injuries.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in construction or mining industries, your colleagues include 360 excavator operators, heavy equipment operators and crane operators. You are also likely to work close to plant operators and plant mechanics, as well as other specialists like demolition operatives, dump truck drivers and general construction operatives.
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work schedule
360 drivers typically work between 48 and 50 hours a week on full-time schedules. Since you work alongside the construction or mining crew, your work schedule depends on the project timelines. When a deadline is approaching, you have to work overtime and sometimes on weekends or public holidays. Some employers provide shift schedules since it is a physically demanding role. Your shifts can include early mornings, especially when clearing snow from roads. Short-term contracts and part-time positions are available. Since it is a hands-on job, you have to be physically present at the site.
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job outlook
As a 360 driver, you can follow the defined career path or move to other roles in machine operations. From a 360 driver position, you can become a team leader or plant manager. You may also be involved in organising plant logistics on construction sites. Alternatively, diversify to other roles like crane operations or heavy equipment mechanic.
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advantages of finding a 360 driver job through randstad
Finding your 360 driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a 360 driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
The following academic qualifications are necessary for becoming a 360 driver:
- college training: you can become a 360 driver through college qualifications like diploma and certificate courses. Pursue a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and Built Environment if you have 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. You can also do a Level 2 Certificate in Construction Plant Operations if you have 2 GCSEs with grades 9 to 3. After completing the courses, you have to undergo further training in 360 excavation.
- apprenticeship: while you won't find apprenticeship opportunities for 360 drivers, you can start with an apprenticeship in plant operator. You can specialise as a 360 driver or excavator operator later.
skills and competencies
You need the following skills in a 360 driver role:
- technical expertise in operating equipment: as a 360 driver, driving isn't the only technical aspect of your role. You have to learn how to use excavators and manoeuvre them to achieve the desired results. Technical expertise in 360 excavators helps you navigate rugged terrains and dig holes and trenches according to the technical drawings. Your technical expertise also comes in handy when assembling the parts to carry out maintenance functions.
- attention to detail: you have to understand technical drawings and designs to avoid making mistakes. Attentiveness to details helps you identify site markings when you are digging. It is also helpful during maintenance and enables you to discover issues that need repairs and maintenance.
- mechanical skills: as a 360 driver, you need mechanical skills to assemble excavator parts. Mechanical knowledge also helps you resolve simple mechanical problems when operating the machines.
- safety skills: you need to be conscious of safety issues on the worksite. A little knowledge of the soil type helps you understand the terrain and its dangers. Being safety conscious also helps you avoid causing accidents or damaging other properties when manoeuvring the 360 excavators.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a 360 driver
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what is a 360 driver?
A 360 driver operates an excavator used for digging trenches or preparing foundations in construction sites. You also demolish buildings and collect waste.
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how much does a 360 excavator driver earn in the UK?
A 360 excavator driver earns between £17,000 and £40,000 per year. Your compensation depends on experience, skills and educational qualifications. You can improve your earnings through overtime pay and bonuses.
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how much do digger drivers get paid in the UK?
A digger driver earns an average salary of £34,125 per year. Experienced digger drivers earn over £38,025.
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how much does an excavator operator make?
An excavator operator receives a median salary of £33,150 annually, while experienced operators earn over £39,000 per year.
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how do I apply for a 360 driver vacancy?
Applying for a 360 driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
