Crane and Tower Operators

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This occupation is part of the Transportation and Material Moving cluster

About the Job

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

It is also Called

  • Acid Crane Operator
  • Boom Cat Operator
  • Boom Crane Operator
  • Boomswing Operator
  • Bottom Crane Operator
  • Bridge Crane Operator
  • Burial Vault Deliverer and Installer
  • Cantilever Crane Operator
  • Cathead Operator
  • Charging Crane Operator

What They Do

  • Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
  • Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
  • Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs as necessary.
  • Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
  • Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
  • Load or unload bundles from trucks or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
  • Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
  • Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
  • Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RCI.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Conventional and Investigative environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Education Required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $66,180 with most people making between $34,790 and $93,720

Outlook

2.31%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 2,600 people in California. It is projected that there will be 3,200 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 60 openings due to growth and about 70 replacement openings for approximately 130 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

Industries that Employ this Occupation

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