What is a Conveyor Operator and Tender?
A Conveyor Operator and Tender is a worker responsible for controlling, monitoring, and tending to conveyor belt systems and related machinery used to move bulk materials (like grain, coal, or ore) or discrete products (like packages) throughout a facility. They ensure the continuous, steady, and correct routing of materials to and from processing stations, storage areas, or vehicles. Their role is essential in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and logistics.
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent. Most training is conducted on-the-job by the employer, focusing on the specific control systems and safety protocols of the machinery in their facility.
Salary Range in the United States
The annual median wage for Conveyor Operators and Tenders is $42,900 (May 2023 data).
The 10th percentile earned $32,770 and the 90th percentile earned $59,910 annually.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Day in the Life of a Conveyor Operator and Tender
How to Become a Conveyor Operator and Tender
- Obtain a High School Diploma or GED: This is the standard minimum educational requirement for most employers.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Many jobs are entry-level, but employers often prefer candidates with prior experience in a warehouse, production, or manufacturing environment.
- Complete On-the-Job Training (OJT): New operators typically receive extensive OJT, which can last a few days to several weeks, covering safety procedures, specific equipment controls, maintenance protocols, and operational flow.
- Obtain Certifications (Optional): Depending on the facility, you may be required to obtain certification to operate related equipment, such as a forklift.
Essential Skills
- Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to understand how machines and tools work, including performing minor maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure equipment is working properly.
- Troubleshooting: Determining the causes of operating errors and deciding what steps to take to resolve them.
- Attention to Detail: Being careful and thorough when completing work tasks, such as monitoring for defective products or ensuring proper loading.
- Physical Stamina: The job often requires standing for long periods, lifting materials, and working in various environmental conditions (e.g., heat, cold, noise).
- Safety Conscious: Strict adherence to safety protocols for yourself and co-workers.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and Monitor Systems: Control or tend conveyor systems to move materials or products along the production or distribution line.
- Adjust Flow and Routing: Control the speed and direction of materials by manipulating levers, valves, and controls.
- Clear Jams: Stop equipment or machinery to safely remove jammed materials using hand tools, poles, or bars.
- Load and Unload Materials: Load, unload, or adjust materials on the conveyors, sometimes by hand or by using lifts, hoists, and scoops.
- Perform Quality Checks: Observe materials and packages moving along the line to identify quality issues, defective packaging, or incorrect routing.
- Record Production Data: Log information such as weights, types, quantities of materials moved, and any equipment performance issues or downtime.
- Perform Preventative Maintenance: Clean, sterilize, and perform basic routine maintenance on equipment to ensure longevity and consistent performance.
Questions?