Crane Operators run machines which hoist, move, and place materials and objects using attachments such as slings, electromagnets, hooks, buckets, demolition balls, and clamshells (buckets with hinged jaws). Other Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators specialize according to the type of machine they operate. 

JOB DUTIES    

Crane and Derrick Operators may:

Move levers and pedals to rotate the crane and to raise and lower the crane boom, load lines, and draglines

Observe the load hookup and safety

Clean and lubricate machinery

Inspect the machinery for defective parts and report any malfunctions

Determine weight & capacity to prevent overload  

Hoist Operators may:

Start the hoist engine and move levers to wind or unwind cable on the drum

Move brake lever and throttle to stop, start, and regulate the speed of the drum

Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment

Observe equipment gauges and indicators and hand signals of other workers in order to verify load positions and/or depths

Operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam-driven hoists or winches in order to control movement of cableways, cages, derricks, draglines, loaders, railcars, or skips.

Select material loads based on size and weight

Attach, fasten and disconnect lines and cables to equipment, and materials using tools

To see crane operators at work click here   

Crane, Derrick, & Hoist Operators may specialize according to the type of machine they operate:

921.663-022 DERRICK OPERATORS control electric, gasoline, diesel, or steam-powered guy derricks or stiffleg derricks to move products, equipment, or materials or to load and unload trucks and railroad cars.

921.663-030 HOISTING ENGINEERS operate compressed air, diesel, electric, gasoline, or steam drum hoists. They control the movement of cableways, cages, derricks, and other systems that transport people or materials for construction, mining, and other industrial operations.

921.663-010 BRIDGE-OR-GANTRY-CRANE OPERATORS operate electric-powered bridge or gantry cranes. These cranes have a hoist and operator's cab mounted on a bridge that runs along an overhead or a floor track. They are used to lift and move machinery, equipment, and a variety of loose materials in factories, warehouses, and yards. Operators may also be designated by the type of crane operated, kind of material handled, or operation performed.

921.663-038 LOCOMOTIVE-CRANE OPERATORS operate cranes that travel on railroad tracks to lift and move objects. They may also be classified by the type of power the crane uses.

921.663-062 TRUCK-CRANE OPERATORS operate gasoline- or diesel-powered cranes. These cranes are built on special truck chassis and can be driven to work sites. They are usually used at construction sites to move objects. Truck-Crane Operators may be designated by the type of power the crane uses or the type of attachment being used.

921.663-050 SCRAPER-LOADER OPERATORS operate hoisting engines and cable drawn scrapers and scoops to load coal, ore, or rock into mine cars or onto conveyors in underground mines.

921.683-034 DERRICK-BOAT OPERATORS operate derricks mounted on boats or barges to lift and move heavy objects.

921.663-054 TOWER-CRANE OPERATORS operate large cranes, called tower cranes, used to lift and move building materials from ground storage areas and trucks to the top of buildings under construction.

Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators may have other titles such as tractor-crane operator, monorail-crane operator, boat-hoist operator, and pneumatic hoist operator, depending on the type of machines they operate.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Manufacturing Crane Operators work in factories, warehouses, or yards. Depending on the job, they may work alone or with other workers such as riggers. Construction Crane Operators usually work on construction crews with other construction workers. Derrick and Hoist Operators may work in construction, logging, mining, sawmill, and other industrial operations.

Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators are exposed to dirt, dust, and noise when working. The work may be physically tiring because of the movement, noise, and vibration of the machinery and the need to be alert constantly. Operators may also be exposed to such hazards as overturning machinery, collapsing excavations, breaking power lines, snapping cables, and breaking parts on the machinery.

Operators working in manufacturing usually work 40 hours per week. Overtime, shifts, and weekend work may be required. Construction Operators work between 25 and 46 weeks a year, depending on the weather. The standard workweek is 40 hours, but overtime may be necessary to finish a job. Since job sites may be in areas away from home, travel or living in temporary quarters may be required.

Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators may belong to The International Union of Operating Engineers. Many manufacturing Crane Operators belong to unions representing the workers in the industry in which they are employed. Operators belonging to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with equipment and machinery

• Doing routine, definite, organized work

You Should Be Able To:

• Accept responsibility and work under pressure

• Follow instructions (both verbal and hand signals)

• Work with your hands

• Picture objects from drawings or diagrams

• Judge distances and heights accurately

• Do routine, repetitive work

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

How much torque is produced by a 60,000 lb. crane with a 12 foot long body?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Torque is a measure of force used in crane operation. The width of the load lifted is multiplied by the length of the crane arm to get torque. The length of the boom is measured from the fulcrum to the place where the load is supported. 

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Inspect a given hoist machine and prepare a written analysis indicating any malfunctions. 

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate: 

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills and be detail oriented in inspecting and operating equipment.

Applicants for apprenticeship programs may be required to take an aptitude test. A special chauffeur's license or endorsement on the driver's license may be required for heavy vehicles driven on public roads. You may apply at any driver licensing office of the Michigan Department of State.  

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  EDUCATION PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

029 OPERATING ENGINEER  

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.todaysmilitary.com.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Every year the military is responsible for the competition of hundreds of construction projects. Building materials must be transported to build roads, airfields and buildings. Construction Equipment operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders, and other heavy equipment in military construction.

What They Do

Construction Equipment Operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Construct trails, roads, and field fortifications, such as shelters, bunkers, and gun emplacements

• Erect floating or prefabricated bridges

• Lay and clear mine fields and booby traps

• Place and detonate explosives, as needed

• Erect camouflage and other protective barriers for artillery and troop positions

• Load, unload, and move supplies and equipment, using planes, helicopters, trucks, and amphibious vehicles

• Construct airfields and perform ground traffic control duties

• Participate in combat operations as infantrymen

Physical Demands

Combat engineers must meet very demanding physical requirements. They need agility and balance and must be able to perform strenuous physical activities over long periods of time. Combat engineers lift and move heavy objects. Some specialties require good swimming abilities.

Work Environment

Because combat engineers must be prepared to support operations anywhere in the world, they work and train for long hours under all kinds of weather conditions and in all climates. Combat engineers work, eat, and sleep outdoors during training exercises and in real combat situations. Most of the time, combat engineers are assigned to military bases.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include mathematics, general science, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to use hand and power tools

• Ability to think and remain calm under stress

• Preference for working outdoors

Training Provided

Job training for Construction Equipment Operators consists of 4 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction including practice operating construction equipment. Further training is  provided on the job. On-the-job training consists of manual work in a variety of construction projects covering the following::

• Basic construction methods

• Bridge building

• Road maintenance and repair

• Rough carpentry and rigging

• Use of hand and power tools

The Marine Corps offers a 6-week course in basic combat engineering skill. Combat training in infantry skills is also provided to combat engineers.

Civilian Counterparts

Although the job of combat engineer has no direct equivalent in civilian life, experience as a combat engineer is related to occupations in several civilian fields. These include the logging, mining, construction, shipping and landscaping industries. Civilians in these jobs are called forestry aides, loggers, blasters, and construction workers.

Opportunities

The services need new construction equipment operators each year. After basic training, construction equipment operators are assigned to jobs requiring the application of basic skills and use of common construction tools. After gaining knowledge and improving skills, they may be selected for additional training in various construction specialties, such as road and bridge building. Eventually, they may supervise others and assist in managing engineering units.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs   

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY
 

Summer or part-time work as a laborer or Operator's helper may show what the work is like. Experience is also available through a formal apprenticeship program or through military training.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

Informal apprenticeships

Mentorships

Job shadowing experiences

Touring a local Crane, Derrick, & Hoist Operator employer

Internships

Volunteer work with a Crane, Derrick, & Hoist Operator employer

Community service work with an agency

Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators may enter their occupations through direct application to employers or completion of an apprenticeship program. Assistance may be available through local unions or local offices of Michigan Works!. Newspaper want ads may list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators depend on the type of machine operated, location of work, and the industry. Total earnings of construction Crane Operators are affected by bad weather and layoffs.

Nationally median weekly earnings for all Crane and Tower Operators were $749 in 2008.  The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $722 in 2008.

The basic union hourly rate, including fringe benefits, for construction Crane Operators in various Michigan cities in early 2009 were: 

In mid 2009, most Crane Operators working for large automobile companies in Michigan earned an hourly rate of $27.09. These workers also receive a cost-of-living allowance.

In mid 2009, equipment Operators employed by the State of Michigan and who worked with cranes, derricks and hoists earned between $15.16 and $23.09 per hour.

Apprentice Crane Operators usually start with a pay rate which is about 60% of a qualified Operator's wage.

Depending on the employer, most Crane, Derrick, & Hoist Operators receive benefits which include life and health insurance, paid holidays, and pension plans, either directly from the employer or through a union fund.

Apprentice Operators may start out working as oilers or helpers under the supervision of experienced operators. In time, they are given more responsibility and less supervision.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 46,400 Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators employed in 2006. Employment of Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016.The industry distribution for Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators looked like this:

There are about 1,075 Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators employed in Michigan. They worked for contractors who build highways, dams, buildings, and airports; manufacturing, mining, and utility companies; wholesale distributors; and state and local public works and highway departments.

Employment of Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Operators in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2016. An average of 20 job openings is expected with most due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Although most areas of commercial construction are experiencing some growth, the areas of public works and environmental construction show substantial growth in Michigan.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION