These skilled professionals operate cranes and draglines to lift and move
objects and equipment on construction sites. They do the heavy lifting. By
using pedals and levers to turn, raise and lower the boom, crane operators
pick up, guide and set down heavy loads.
Some important aspects of a crane operator's job are assembling and dismantling
the crane, performing routine maintenance and driving the crane from one worksite
to another.
Crane operators work at construction sites, industrial facilities, shipyards
and railway yards -- anywhere heavy objects need to be moved.
Cranes come in all shapes and sizes. There are tower cranes, pile-driving
cranes, bridge cranes, mobile cranes and hydraulic cranes, just to name a
few.
Cranes are changing with technology. Modern cranes often have computers
in the cab to assist the operator. They're getting lighter and they are able
to lift heavier loads.
"When I started 25 years ago, a 150-tonne [165-ton] crane was big. Now
they've got cranes that pick up thousands of tonnes," says Thomas Barth, an
operator in Anchorage, Alaska.
This career is directly affected by the climate and weather patterns of
a geographical area. In certain climates, the construction industry as a whole
has a slowdown or shutdown period during the winter season. The length of
this period depends on weather conditions -- it can last anywhere from seven
weeks to several months.
With the right planning, this can be a positive experience. If a crane
operator plans ahead, applying for unemployment compensation or ensuring they
have savings to last over the slow season, they can take advantage of the
time off.
The length of time that a crane operator spends with one project can vary
from employer to employer. A large project -- like a bridge or a tunnel --
may last years.
Crane operators may also be employed by a company that continuously has
projects on the go.
The typical, medium-sized project lasts less than one year, sometimes even
just a few days or weeks. In general, a crane operator can expect to work
for more than one employer during the course of a year.
Excellent hand-eye coordination, good eyesight and a calm demeanor are
necessary for this job. Sitting for long periods of time is one part of the
job; you still have to be physically fit in order to lift and carry crane
parts, maintain the machine, and climb in and out of the cab.
Crane operators must be able to tolerate high noise levels.
Crane operators often have to travel from site to site and spend extended
periods away from home, sometimes in remote areas.
Those who are members of their local International Union of Operating Engineers
(IUOE) may find work through the union. They can apply to be dispatched to
work from a roster, called a referral or an out-of-work list. This list is
ordinarily based on the length of time out of work. Members who have been
laid off the longest are sent out first.