Heavy Equipment Operation

The mission of the Heavy Equipment Operation Program is to provide the regional workforce with credentialed, skilled, and competent heavy equipment operators and to be responsive to emerging workforce needs. Students develop an understanding of basic surveying techniques, receive extensive training in safety regulations and procedures, and learn techniques for safe, knowledgeable machine operation. Students are trained to safely and properly operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment including:

  • Backhoes
  • Crawler-Tractors
  • Dump Trucks
  • Excavators
  • Front-end Loaders
  • Scrapers

The program also promotes an awareness of proper machine operation in a construction environment with emphasis on the ability to complete a task assigned verbally or from job plans and grade stakes on the site.  The importance of understanding the work ethic expected by employers in the construction industry is also taught.

A Certificate of Applied Science is awarded after the program is successfully completed.

This is a Fall semester entry program and enrollment is limited.  Prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Contact Larry Reinholz, Program Director, at 406-243-7643 or larry.reinholz@mso.umt.edu for more information.

West Campus Location

Industrial Technology program classes are taught across town at our West Campus location: 2795 37th Ave, Missoula MT, 59804.  Transportation is not provided. 

Heavy Equipment Operation Curriculum

The University of Montana catalog details degree specific credits and course requirements.

Subject Type
Heavy Equipment Operation Certificate of Applied Science

Consumer Information on Gainful Employment

Heavy Equipment Operation Certificate of Applied Science

Contact Information

Larry Reinholz - Program Director
Email: larry.reinholz@mso.umt.edu
Phone: (406) 243-7643

Lucy Ruediger - Program Coordinator
Email: lucy.ruediger@umontana.edu
Phone: (406) 243-7640