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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jackhammer Operator

💰 $38,000 - $65,000

ConstructionSkilled TradesDemolitionHeavy Equipment

🎯 Role Definition

The Jackhammer Operator is a skilled construction tradesperson responsible for safely and efficiently operating pneumatic and hydraulic breakers, handheld jackhammers, and breaker attachments on heavy equipment to demolish, remove, or break up concrete, asphalt, rock, and other hard surfaces. This role requires strong safety awareness, the ability to read basic site plans and instructions, hands-on mechanical aptitude to maintain and troubleshoot tools, and effective coordination with crew members, traffic control, and site supervisors. Ideal candidates are physically fit, OSHA-aware, and experienced in vibration- and noise-management techniques used in public and private construction projects.

Keywords: Jackhammer Operator, pneumatic breaker, hydraulic breaker, pavement breaker, demolition, concrete breaking, construction safety, OSHA, heavy equipment operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Construction Laborer or General Laborer with demolition tasks
  • Concrete Laborer or Paving Crew Member
  • Equipment Operator Trainee or Apprentice

Advancement To:

  • Heavy Equipment Operator (skid steer, backhoe, excavator with breaker attachment)
  • Demolition Technician or Demolition Foreman
  • Site Supervisor, Crew Lead, or Construction Foreman
  • Specialized Concrete Cutter or Saw Operator

Lateral Moves:

  • Concrete Finisher
  • Road Maintenance Technician
  • Maintenance Technician (equipment servicing)
  • Traffic Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate pneumatic and hydraulic jackhammers, handheld breakers, and breaker attachments on skid steers or excavators to break up and remove concrete, asphalt, masonry, and rock in compliance with project specifications and site safety plans.
  • Set up and secure work zones including barricades, cones, signage, and flaggers to ensure worker and public safety while performing jackhammer and demolition operations.
  • Read and interpret site drawings, scope-of-work documents, and supervisor instructions to mark cut lines, locate expansion joints and reinforcement, and sequence breaking activities for maximum efficiency and minimal rework.
  • Select and install the correct chisel/bit type and size for the material and task (flat, spade, moil, tooth, or specialized demolition bit), and confirm proper tool coupling and retention before operation.
  • Conduct pre-shift and post-shift inspections of jackhammers, breakers, compressors, hydraulic lines, quick couplers, power packs and attachments; report defects and perform basic preventive maintenance including greasing, leak checks, and bit replacement.
  • Operate and manage air compressors, hydraulic power units, hoses, and couplers safely; verify pressure settings, bleed lines, and secure hose routing to avoid tripping hazards and equipment damage.
  • Apply dust and noise control measures (wet cutting, dust suppression, HEPA vacuums, mufflers, and acoustic barriers) to meet environmental and municipal requirements and protect worker health.
  • Coordinate demolition sequencing with concrete crews, saw-cutting teams, excavators, and dump or haul trucks to stage debris removal and minimize downtime on the critical path.
  • Verify underground utilities and markouts prior to breaking; follow permit and public-works requirements, and work with utility locators to avoid striking gas, water, sewer, electrical, and communication lines.
  • Use hand tools and small powered equipment (saws, grinders, pry bars, jack stands) to expose reinforcement, remove rebar, and prepare broken surfaces for removal or remediation.
  • Load, stack, and dispose of broken concrete and debris using wheelbarrows, sledges, loader buckets, or hand tools, ensuring material is separated, staged, or loaded according to site recycling and disposal plans.
  • Execute controlled demolition techniques to minimize damage to adjacent structures including shoring where required, and following engineered directions for partial demolitions and selective removals.
  • Maintain clear and accurate daily work logs, timecards, equipment usage and maintenance records, and damage or incident reports for supervisor review and project documentation.
  • Follow confined-space, trenching, and excavation safety practices when working near or within trenches and pits; use appropriate fall protection, shoring, and testing equipment when required.
  • Troubleshoot jackhammer and breaker performance issues (reduced impact, excessive vibration, oil or air leaks) and coordinate with mechanics or equipment vendors for repairs or replacement parts.
  • Implement ergonomic and fatigue-management best practices to reduce the risk of vibration-related injury—rotate tasks, use vibration-dampening handles and gloves, and maintain safe work-rest cycles.
  • Communicate proactively with foremen, project managers, and crew members regarding progress, material needs, hazards, access limitations, and schedule impacts.
  • Operate in a variety of environments—roadway, sidewalk, building interior, bridge deck, utility vault, or industrial plant—adapting techniques to confined spaces, nighttime work, and weather conditions.
  • Follow all company and OSHA safety rules, wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, eye protection, respirators as needed, vibration-mitigating gloves, and high-visibility apparel.
  • Assist in layout and verification of cut lines for saw-cutting prior to breaker operations, coordinate with saw crews to establish clean joints, and perform follow-up handwork to meet finish tolerances.
  • Participate in pre-job safety briefings (JSA/JHA), toolbox talks, and post-job debriefs to share lessons learned and continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Manage material and supply ordering for consumables (bits, chisels, anchor fasteners, lubricants) in coordination with supervisor to prevent downtime.
  • Perform emergency response tasks as needed—stabilize the site, secure utilities, and provide first response information in the event of an accident or unexpected structural compromise.
  • Ensure environmental compliance by following sediment and erosion control plans, spill prevention protocols, and proper disposal of hazardous materials like hydraulic fluid or fuel.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with site cleanup, sweeping, and removal of small debris to maintain an organized work area.
  • Support traffic control and pedestrian management when working near public sidewalks and roadways.
  • Aid concrete finishing crews in minor patching and sloping corrections after demolition as directed by the foreman.
  • Help set up temporary protection for adjacent finishes (tarps, plywood) in occupied or sensitive areas.
  • Participate in equipment and tool inventory counts and report missing or damaged items.
  • Complete basic measurements and note-taking for as-built documentation and post-demolition condition reports.
  • Attend regular safety trainings, certification renewals, and skills-development workshops provided by the company.
  • Mentor junior laborers and apprentices in safe jackhammer practices, PPE use, and bit selection.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation of pneumatic and hydraulic jackhammers and breaker attachments on skid steers, excavators, and handheld units.
  • Experience with air compressors, hydraulic power units, hoses, couplers, pressure regulators, and maintenance procedures.
  • Ability to select, change, and inspect breaker bits (moil, spade, chisel, tooth) and perform on-site bit sharpening or replacement.
  • Knowledge of saw-cutting practices and coordination between saw and breaker crews for efficient jointing and demolition.
  • Ability to read basic construction drawings, mark lines, and interpret dimensions and demolition notes.
  • Practical knowledge of OSHA regulations related to PPE, noise exposure, vibration hazards, trenching/excavation, and confined spaces.
  • Competence in dust control methods (wetting, vacuums, negative pressure systems) and environmental best practices.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance skills for small pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.
  • Rigging and signaling basics for coordination with loaders and truck operators during debris removal.
  • Skilled at performing pre-shift equipment inspections, documenting deficiencies, and initiating work orders.
  • Familiarity with traffic control set-up (TMP), signage placement, and pedestrian protection when working in public right-of-way.
  • Experience using hand tools and power tools for de-limbing rebar, prying, and final cleanup after demolition.

Soft Skills

  • Strong commitment to safety and compliance; proactive about identifying hazards and stopping unsafe work.
  • Excellent situational awareness and ability to focus under noisy, dusty, and physically demanding conditions.
  • Clear verbal communication and ability to follow instructions from supervisors and coordinate with multi-discipline crews.
  • Reliability and strong work ethic—punctual, consistent attendance, and ability to meet physical demands of the job.
  • Team player with a cooperative attitude when assisting trades and adapting to changing site priorities.
  • Problem-solving mindset to adapt demolition techniques based on material behavior and unforeseen conditions.
  • Time management and organizational skills to sequence tasks effectively and minimize equipment downtime.
  • Resilience and physical stamina for extended shifts, heavy lifting, and repetitive impact work.
  • Attention to detail for maintaining proper cut lines, avoiding utility strikes, and producing clean demolition results.
  • Coaching and mentoring ability to guide apprentices and less-experienced crew members in safe jackhammer operation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and construction experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational/technical training in heavy equipment operation, demolition, or construction trades.
  • OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety card; preferred OSHA 30 for advanced projects.
  • Certifications: NCCER, local heavy equipment/demolition certificates, or manufacturer training for hydraulic breakers.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Civil Construction or Concrete Trades
  • Industrial Maintenance (beneficial for equipment troubleshooting)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years operating handheld jackhammers and breaker attachments in construction, municipal, or demolition environments.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of focused jackhammer/breaker experience, plus demonstrated work on roadway, sidewalk, building interior, or utility projects.
  • Experience with traffic control, saw-cut coordination, and utility marking procedures.
  • Prior experience with company-specific safety programs, emergency response, and environmental compliance is a plus.
  • Demonstrated record of safe performance, regular attendance, and positive references from supervisors.

If you need this tailored to a specific region (city/state), union requirements, or project type (roadwork, structural demolition, industrial shutdowns), I can customize job requirements, certification lists, and salary ranges for better accuracy and SEO targeting.

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