Overview

Horizontal construction engineers use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment to move tons of earth and material to complete construction projects for the Army.

They are also responsible for operating tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loaders, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators, motorized graders and scrapers.

Job Duties

• Analyze the information on grade stakes and placing them
  
• Drive bulldozers, roadgraders and other heavy equipment to level earth
  
• Clear, grub, strip, excavate, backfill, stockpile and push scraper with tractor crawler
  
• Cut and spread fill material with scraper
  
• Transport heavy construction equipment with tractor-trailer
  
• Assist in performance of combat engineer missions

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for horizontal construction engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Operation of different types of construction and rough terrain equipment
  
• Maintenance and repair of equipment
  
• Identification of soil types and placement of grade stakes

Helpful Skills

• Interest in operating heavy construction equipment
  
• Preference for working outdoors
  
• Interest in working with your hands

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with building contractors, state highway agencies, rock quarries, well drillers and construction firms.