Crane Operator Job Description Example

Crane Operator Job Description Example

What Does a Crane Operator Do?

Crane operators generally operate mobile or stationary crane to lift, move, or reposition loads.

The crane operator job description entails lifting levers and pushing buttons to ensure the safe conveyance of materials and equipment around a construction or industrial site.

Crane operators in performing their duties operate cranes in compliance with safe crane operational procedures.

They work and communicate with ground crew/helpers via hand signals. They also work within precise limits and set standards of accuracy.

Operators of Crane depress, pull or shift crane controls to regulate the speed and direction of a crane/hoist movement.

They conduct daily inspections of crane parts to ensure components are in working order.

They also identify faulty parts and facilitate or conduct repairs. Usually, crane operators drive mobile cranes to construction or industrial sites.

They control cranes to lift, move and position heavy duty machinery, equipment, and work materials at a building site.

They also start up crane engine during work operations and turn it off after use.

As part of their responsibilities, crane operators bolt boom sections together in order to extend or adjust boom for high lifting or pile driving.

They properly position outriggers and blocks to minimize risk of capsize during heavy load lifting.

They also control pedals and levers to raise or lower crane boom and crane load line.

Crane operators’ role also entails completing job tickets, service quality summaries and other relevant documents.

They maintain an up-to-date knowledge of crane operation and function.

They also ensure proper maintenance of crane and hoisting mechanism.

In fulfilling their role, operators designate and ensure operator hookers attach load to hook prior to crane operation.

They may oversee the set up and assembly of tower cranes at construction sites.

They also inspect cables and grappling devices to identify wear and facilitate cable replacement.

The work description of operators of crane may also entail assessing loads to determine their weight and comparing it against lifting capacity to prevent risk of overload.

To work in this role, you will require at least a high school diploma and several years of experience in a related field.

Some of the qualities you need to have to succeed in this job include decision-making skill, physical dexterity, and stamina.

Crane Operator Job Description Example/Template

• The job of a crane operator involves various functions. Below is a job description example that captures the major tasks, duties, and responsibilities of operators of cranes in most companies:
  :
  Weigh materials to determine load weight and ensure compliance with lifting specifications
• Move levers, depress buttons and foot pedals to operate and control the speed/direction of crane movement
• Conduct inspection of crane mechanism and lifting components to ensure parts are in working order
• Liaise with helpers and ground workers who provide direction assistance through radio communication or hand signals
• Inspect cables and grappling assembly to identify wear and facilitate replacement
• Clean, lubricate, and maintain the moving parts of a crane such as the cables, pulley or grappling mechanism
• Load or unload shipment of heavy duty machinery or material from trucks
• Review work orders and schedules to determine sequence of operations
• Inspect bundles or shipment to ensure conformance to company regulations or customer requirements
• Signal and direct truck drivers to properly back vehicles into loading or unloading bay
• Move, lift, and position equipment, machinery or heavy materials with the aid of hook, bucket or electromagnet
• Provide report of work operations by completing relevant paperwork
• Direct helpers to place blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy materials
• Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis or raise or lower crane boom/load line
• Work within set standards of accuracy and precision.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for a Crane Operator Job

If you are looking to work as a crane operator, the following are the common requirements you will need to meet to be considered for hiring by most employers:

• Education and Training: To become a crane operator, you require a high school diploma and at least 3 years of training under an experienced crane operator. Some states require crane operators to be licensed. Good knowledge of standard crane operation techniques and hand signals are also required
• Decision-making Skills: Crane operators are good judges who are able to determine the appropriate sequence for an operation
• Physical Dexterity: They are able to simultaneously control an array of levers and pedals to lift, move, and reposition materials as required
• Stamina: operators are able to withstand equipment vibration and long hours of sitting.

Conclusion

This post provides detail of the duties and responsibilities of workers who operate cranes, as well as a sample job description for the role.

Employers can apply the crane operator work description given above in making one for their company for hiring the best candidates for the position and assigning appropriate tasks to them.

People who are interested in this job can improve their knowledge of what crane operators do by reading this article.

Did you find this post useful in learning about what crane operators do? Please, leave a comment in the box below. Also, if you work as an operator of cranes, do share your work activities too.