crane operator job description

The specific tasks of crane operators vary depending on the industry. However, some typical duties include: testing the operational capabilities of the crane: as a crane operator, you ensure the cranes are in good working condition before a lift. It is essential to test the operation of the machinery before use to ascertain the safety of the workers or items you will ferry on the crane. preparing the site and loads for a lift: as a crane operator, you coordinate the work site preparation for a crane. That includes marking reference points on the floors and working with construction riggers to position the hooks or lift the loads to the crane for transport. You also inspect the loads to be lifted and document any defects. You decide if the load poses a danger to workers and act accordingly. It is also important to ensure proper load alignment to improve the safety of the loading and unloading crew. operating the controls for cranes: as a crane operator, you control the movements of the cranes. The job involves rotating or moving cranes on fixed rails and raising or lowering the jibs and booms. You also control the loads' movement and determine the acceleration speed and braking time. Since you operate the controls, you regularly check the gauges and instruments for malfunctions and other problems that pose a risk to workers or equipment. maintaining crane equipment: a crane operator is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of a crane and the ropes. You also replace worn cables and clean the equipment after use. measuring load weights: as a crane operator, you assist in checking the weights of the materials and products during loading and unloading. These checks ensure the products have proper weight.

As a crane operator, your work settings are typically mines, construction sites and manufacturing units. Sometimes you work outdoors in harsh weather conditions and uncomfortable work environments. Since you may work during summer or winter, it is important to dress for the weather and the job. That means you wear hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and other protective clothing. You are also exposed to loud noise, fumes and dust. Hence, it would be best if you had facemasks and earmuffs. Some crane operators work in confined spaces like mines and quarries.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include riggers, trade assistants and construction workers. You might also be working close to warehouse operators , warehouse workers , and warehouse managers, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, forklift drivers , machine operators, site supervisors , and site managers .

crane operators work full-time schedules to meet the demands of their work. You will likely work 50 hours a week, but some companies have 24/7 shift schedules for construction or mining projects. The shifts last 12 hours a day, and you may clock in a few overtime hours daily to complete the day's tasks and prepare reports. While part-time positions are rare, some companies with small-scale projects hire part-time crane operators. You can also work on short-term contracts or on a project basis.

Crane operators can improve their skills and experience and become senior crane operators. Alternatively, become a consultant in the construction and mining industries. Some crane operators focus on maintaining and repairing crane equipment and cranes and become maintenance technicians or engineers. You can diversify your role and operate different material-moving machines, like becoming a dredge operator. Alternatively, learn how to operate different construction equipment like paving equipment for laying concrete or other heavy equipment operations.

advantages of finding a crane operator job through randstad

Finding your crane operator job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following: 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 crane operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the responsibilities of a crane operator?

As a crane operator, you operate a crane. The crane is a lift car or machinery carrying materials from ground level to multi-storey buildings or mine shafts. Your job is to load the items onto the crane and guide them to their destination. You also perform maintenance and inspection on the machine at the beginning and end of the day to minimise accidents.

what skills do you require to be a crane operator?

The role of a crane operator is physically demanding and requires accuracy, manual dexterity and stamina to withstand heavy labour. Checking on the machines for maintenance issues also requires attentiveness to details to avoid missing minor errors or glitches in the system.

how much do crane operators get paid in Australia?

A crane operator in Australia takes home an average remuneration package of $125,000 per year. Some entry-level positions pay as low as $115,000 annually, while experienced crane operators take home a salary of $135,000 yearly. The remuneration depends on your work experience, expertise and the industry you work in.

how long does it take to be a crane operator in Australia?

In Australia, you require a crane operator licence to operate the machines. You can achieve this by completing a trade outcome in mobile crane operations when you complete a Certificate III in construction crane operations. The course prepares you to work in commercial and residential construction sites. You also require a White Card and Heavy Combination licences to work as a crane operator.

is being a crane operator hard?

Operating a crane may be exhausting since you focus on various variables before hoisting items up the multi-storey building. Failing to check the weather and other factors can affect your safety.

how do I apply for a crane operator vacancy?

Applying for a crane operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

crane operator

what is a crane operator?

A crane operator controls hoisting equipment like clamps, elevating platforms and forklifts to move products or people. As a crane operator, you assist with transporting materials to a worksite or warehouse. You load or unload trucks, depending on the crane you are using.

Crane operators also control movement platforms that carry people around a worksite. For instance, you control the platform transporting workers to vast heights or depths at a construction or mining site. Operating a crane requires great skill to manoeuvre the load to the right spot. After moving each shipment, you update the log and record the items or workers you moved at a particular time. You also carry out maintenance and repair tasks on crane equipment.

As a crane operator, you work on large-scale construction projects like high rises and major infrastructure jobs. You can also find work in quarries, mining sites and manufacturing companies with large warehouses.

Apart from mechanical aptitude, it would help to have the physical stamina to work in industrial settings for long hours. Your job also requires concentration when manoeuvring the crane.

crane operator careers

1

average crane operator salary

The average salary of a crane operator is $125,000 per year. In an entry-level role, you take home a salary of $115,000 yearly. As you improve your skills and experience, your earnings increase gradually, and the highest salary in the role exceeds $135,000 annually. The remuneration package depends on your experience, skills and qualifications. While crane operators don't require extensive academic qualifications, they rely on experience and skills. When you have been working in the role for a couple of years, you develop expertise that increases your salary significantly.

The industry you work in also affects your earnings. For instance, working for the construction industry boost your chances of earning a higher salary due to the risks involved. Mining industries also pay lucrative salaries to crane operators. If you work for a large company, the unlimited resources at their disposal boost your salary prospects.

Want to know what you will earn as a crane operator? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

crane operator careers

2

types of crane operators

Some of the specialisation options for crane operators include:

dogman crane operator: The dogman/rigger is responsible for the safe rigging of the load and directing the lifting and placing operations by the crane
rigger crane operator: A Rigger crane operator is responsible for setting up pulleys, cables, ropes and other equipment to lift large and heavy objects. The role of a Rigger varies depending on the industry in which they work.
general crane operator: your job is to lift or move material around a construction site using cranes. You monitor crane stability and work with a working person to ensure the safe movement of products on a worksite.

3

working as a crane operator

Working as a crane operator is an exciting career with specific duties, work schedules and work environments. Explore the daily operations of a crane operator.

crane operator job description
The specific tasks of crane operators vary depending on the industry. However, some typical duties include:
- testing the operational capabilities of the crane: as a crane operator, you ensure the cranes are in good working condition before a lift. It is essential to test the operation of the machinery before use to ascertain the safety of the workers or items you will ferry on the crane.
- preparing the site and loads for a lift: as a crane operator, you coordinate the work site preparation for a crane. That includes marking reference points on the floors and working with construction riggers to position the hooks or lift the loads to the crane for transport. You also inspect the loads to be lifted and document any defects. You decide if the load poses a danger to workers and act accordingly. It is also important to ensure proper load alignment to improve the safety of the loading and unloading crew.
- operating the controls for cranes: as a crane operator, you control the movements of the cranes. The job involves rotating or moving cranes on fixed rails and raising or lowering the jibs and booms. You also control the loads' movement and determine the acceleration speed and braking time. Since you operate the controls, you regularly check the gauges and instruments for malfunctions and other problems that pose a risk to workers or equipment.
- maintaining crane equipment: a crane operator is responsible for lubricating the moving parts of a crane and the ropes. You also replace worn cables and clean the equipment after use.
- measuring load weights: as a crane operator, you assist in checking the weights of the materials and products during loading and unloading. These checks ensure the products have proper weight.
work environment

As a crane operator, your work settings are typically mines, construction sites and manufacturing units. Sometimes you work outdoors in harsh weather conditions and uncomfortable work environments. Since you may work during summer or winter, it is important to dress for the weather and the job. That means you wear hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and other protective clothing. You are also exposed to loud noise, fumes and dust. Hence, it would be best if you had facemasks and earmuffs. Some crane operators work in confined spaces like mines and quarries.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include riggers, trade assistants and construction workers. You might also be working close to warehouse operators, warehouse workers, and warehouse managers, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, forklift drivers, machine operators, site supervisors, and site managers.
work schedule

crane operators work full-time schedules to meet the demands of their work. You will likely work 50 hours a week, but some companies have 24/7 shift schedules for construction or mining projects. The shifts last 12 hours a day, and you may clock in a few overtime hours daily to complete the day's tasks and prepare reports. While part-time positions are rare, some companies with small-scale projects hire part-time crane operators. You can also work on short-term contracts or on a project basis.
job outlook

Crane operators can improve their skills and experience and become senior crane operators. Alternatively, become a consultant in the construction and mining industries. Some crane operators focus on maintaining and repairing crane equipment and cranes and become maintenance technicians or engineers. You can diversify your role and operate different material-moving machines, like becoming a dredge operator. Alternatively, learn how to operate different construction equipment like paving equipment for laying concrete or other heavy equipment operations.
advantages of finding a crane operator job through randstad
Finding your crane operator job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
- 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 crane operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

You don't require formal education to become a crane operator. However, it is important to complete some courses to get the necessary licences for work.

complete a trade outcome certification: pursue a Certificate III Construction Crane Operations (CPC32912) to learn the safety requirements for crane operations. Completing the course qualifies you for a high-risk work licence for working on construction sites.
obtain licences: if you intend to work in construction, you require a White Card attained through registered training organisations. It would help to have a Heavy Combination and a Heavy Rigid licence.

crane operator skills and competencies

Key skills of a crane operator include:

alertness: as a crane operator, you require undivided focus and attention when operating the hoisting equipment. You focus on your surroundings to ensure you don't navigate the cranes in the wrong direction or hit objects that could cause accidents.
hand-eye-foot coordination: as a crane operator, you require steady hands and feet to guide heavy machinery precisely. Manual dexterity ensures you can use your hands and feet to control and manoeuvre the equipment in tight spaces or over uneven surfaces.
mechanical skills: as a crane operator, you conduct tests and maintenance functions on cranes and other moving equipment. Mechanical aptitude helps you perform basic repairs efficiently and ensure the equipment is in good working order.
visual ability: as a crane operator, you rely on good vision to see where to move the materials or workers. It is vital to watch out for construction projects or workers nearby to avoid accidents.

5

FAQs about working as a crane operator

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a crane operator.

what are the responsibilities of a crane operator?

As a crane operator, you operate a crane. The crane is a lift car or machinery carrying materials from ground level to multi-storey buildings or mine shafts. Your job is to load the items onto the crane and guide them to their destination. You also perform maintenance and inspection on the machine at the beginning and end of the day to minimise accidents.
what skills do you require to be a crane operator?

The role of a crane operator is physically demanding and requires accuracy, manual dexterity and stamina to withstand heavy labour. Checking on the machines for maintenance issues also requires attentiveness to details to avoid missing minor errors or glitches in the system.
how much do crane operators get paid in Australia?

A crane operator in Australia takes home an average remuneration package of $125,000 per year. Some entry-level positions pay as low as $115,000 annually, while experienced crane operators take home a salary of $135,000 yearly. The remuneration depends on your work experience, expertise and the industry you work in.
how long does it take to be a crane operator in Australia?

In Australia, you require a crane operator licence to operate the machines. You can achieve this by completing a trade outcome in mobile crane operations when you complete a Certificate III in construction crane operations. The course prepares you to work in commercial and residential construction sites. You also require a White Card and Heavy Combination licences to work as a crane operator.
is being a crane operator hard?

Operating a crane may be exhausting since you focus on various variables before hoisting items up the multi-storey building. Failing to check the weather and other factors can affect your safety.
how do I apply for a crane operator vacancy?

Applying for a crane operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

crane operator.