what does a crane operator do?
A crane operator drives a crane to supply materials or equipment to the various trades present on site. These may include concrete blocks or prefabricated partitions, scaffolding and heavy tools, or other goods. As a crane operator, you work in compliance with applicable standards, taking into account the specific conditions of your sector. You may be required to operate different types of cranes, lifting equipment and overhead travelling cranes if you work in a factory.
what is your mission as a crane operator?
The primary mission of the crane operator is to assemble, maintain, operate and dismantle a crane. They work according to the guidance of signallers who direct them, and ensure that their actions and equipment comply with safety standards. Depending on the sector or the company, they work on an industrial site, in shipbuilding or on a construction site, and may be responsible for handling and transporting freight.
Crane operation suits people who are aware of their surroundings, who can judge distances very precisely and coordinate their actions. Your sense of responsibility, responsiveness and rigour are recognised and valued in this profession. Discover which skills and qualifications you need to become a crane operator.
explore our vacanciesaverage salary for a crane operator.
A crane operator’s salary depends on their qualification level and is set by the construction collective agreement. There are three qualification levels, from F1 to F3, each with a corresponding minimum salary. An F1 crane operator earns around €3,250, qualified minimum wage, rising to approximately €3,800 gross per month at F3 level. At the end of a career, an experienced crane operator can expect to reach €4,500 gross per month, or more if specialised in operating very specific equipment.
which factors determine salary in a crane operator role?
A crane operator’s salary depends mainly on experience and specialisations. Specific training and placements can enable you to operate rarer equipment, giving access to highly sought after roles on well paid sites. Depending on the nature and type of job offered, you can negotiate your salary.
types of crane operator roles.
There are different types of crane operator roles, such as:
- Tower crane operator, you are responsible for operating, assembling and dismantling a crane comprising a base, a mast, a jib and a lifting system. You guarantee the strength and stability, the load limit and the proper functioning of your crane. You then take part in operations from the cab at the top, receiving instructions through hand signals or radio communication. You work on GMA, self erecting tower cranes with low slewing, or GME, tower cranes assembled in sections with high slewing.
- Mobile crane operator, you work from a self propelled cab located on a vehicle moving on the ground. This crane may be all terrain, on tracks or on a trailer. Maintenance work is less significant since there is no assembly or dismantling, but operations require constant attention. You may work on a mobile tower crane, a GME or a self moving GMA.
working as a crane operator.
A crane operator works completely autonomously, but in visual or radio contact with signallers, in collaboration with all trades, and under the direct supervision of the site manager. Learn more about the day to day work of a crane operator, working time arrangements and career prospects.
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tasks and responsibilities
Whatever your sector or worksite, the role of a crane operator involves a number of common tasks, which generally proceed as follows:
- assembling the crane at the start of the project
- checking the settings
- performing preliminary tests
- receiving instructions from the site manager
- reading the day’s work schedule
- mapping the route for load movements
- securing the surrounding site and start up
- monitoring slinging and securing of loads by authorised personnel
- responding to hand signals or radio instructions from signallers
- estimating distances
- reading load charts
- checking the weight and stability of the load
- adding counterweights where necessary
- lifting and lowering loads
- distributing materials or equipment to the locations specified by the signaller
- assessing and anticipating the site’s working pace
- contributing to meeting deadlines
- carrying out specific manoeuvres in the event of an emergency stop or adverse conditions
- shutting down and securing the crane after use
- maintenance, preventive servicing or minor repairs
- dismantling the crane at the end of the project
- keeping, updating and submitting the logbook
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working environment
Even though you perform most tasks from inside the cab, you work outdoors at the heart of the site. Whether you operate a tower crane or a mobile crane, you may need to move around on site or between sites. If you work in construction, especially for large companies, you may have the opportunity to participate in very large projects, including abroad.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues may include shuttering carpenters, cladders, or works and industrial project managers. You may also work with structural carpenters and other specialists, such as cable installers.
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work organisation
In theory, a crane operator works a 40 hour week, whether for public or private works sites and companies. In practice, depending on company size, sector specifics and project requirements, overtime is common. You must be available by day and by night, including weekends and public holidays, especially when on call. If you work for a large construction company, in shipbuilding, in offshore supply, or on sensitive, industrial or nuclear sites, this wide range of hours will be standard.
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career prospects
The crane operator profession offers wide ranging career prospects, whatever your preferred sector. As you progress to operating larger cranes with higher lifting capacities, you gain access to sites reserved for very specific and in demand roles. You can aim for roles with greater responsibility, particularly in construction, such as team leader or works manager, or more broadly as a public works plant operator. You can also apply as an earthmoving and quarry equipment operator, or as an agricultural or forestry machinery operator. Adjacent roles such as steel erector or cladder may be accessible depending on your training.
getting a crane operator role with randstad.
When you search for your crane operator role with Randstad, you benefit from attractive advantages, such as:
- a wide variety of companies to work in and development opportunities
- an experienced point of contact to support you when needed
- a broad range of opportunities in your sector
- weekly or monthly pay depending on the assignment
- permanent contracts, CDI, fixed term contracts, CDD, and temporary assignments
Would you like to be hired on a CDI, permanent contract? In many cases, working on a temporary assignment as a crane operator is a first step and acts as a springboard to obtaining a permanent contract. Many companies also recruit employees on a CDI through Randstad.
training and skills.
To become a crane operator in Luxembourg, it is essential to complete specialist training in crane operation and to comply with rigorous safety standards. A crane operator manoeuvres cranes to move and lift heavy loads on construction sites, in industrial areas or in other environments that require specialised handling. The following are the types of training and skills required to become a crane operator in Luxembourg:
- Professional crane operator training, obtaining an ACS, Attestation à la Conduite en Sécurité, for cranes is mandatory to work as a crane operator in Luxembourg. Certificates of aptitude for operating machinery issued in other countries must be validated by a certified body. ACS training must be accompanied by a medical examination, which must be renewed periodically. Training is generally provided by approved training centres, including the Institut de Formation Sectoriel du Bâtiment, and covers the technical aspects of operating different types of cranes, safety procedures, lifting rules and best practice for handling loads.
- Knowledge of different types of cranes, a crane operator must be familiar with the different types of cranes used in the industry, such as tower cranes, mobile cranes and telescopic cranes. Knowledge of the technical specifications of each type of crane is important to choose the right equipment according to site requirements.
- Ability to read lifting plans, a crane operator must be able to read and interpret lifting plans in order to understand the specific requirements of each task. The ability to follow lifting plans precisely is essential to carry out operations safely and avoid accidents.
- Safety and risk management skills, safety is an absolute priority in crane operation. A crane operator must know safety procedures and personal protective equipment, and be able to manage potential risks related to crane use on site.
know how and competencies.
The expected competencies for a crane operator concern self control, the operation of increasingly sophisticated machines, and a strong understanding of the working environment. A crane operator must have good eyesight, be vigilant and focused. They know how to act and react appropriately and with discernment. They learn to adapt to changing environments, uneven terrain and sometimes adverse weather. They know how to identify suitable working conditions and understand safety rules and how to apply them. The key competencies are as follows:
- technical, theoretical and practical knowledge of how a crane operates
- understanding of visual and audible instructions
- operation of a tower crane from the ground or from a cab
- appreciation of the specific requirements and pace of a site
- safe execution of precise manoeuvres with or without visibility
- regular and even distribution of loads
- detection of malfunctions
- protection of property and people
- mastery of crane adjustment and maintenance procedures
FAQs.
FAQs about the crane operator profession
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is the crane operator profession interesting?
Crane operation is a distinctive profession, very stimulating and highly satisfying, which demands concentration and where every action counts. Operating on a construction site and piloting at height or remotely are ongoing challenges that allow you to express your full potential.
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is the crane operator’s daily work solitary?
Although they work in coordination with other site employees, a crane operator is largely isolated in the cab, most often at height. When the distance is too great and there is no visual contact with signallers, communication takes place by radio. The operator therefore remains alone with their work and responsibilities.
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can you work as a crane operator if you suffer from vertigo?
By choosing the crane operator profession, you accept working at heights that may exceed 30 metres. These conditions are entirely incompatible with a tendency to vertigo. In the event of an episode, you could endanger your work, your life and the lives of your colleagues.
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are the working conditions difficult?
Crane operation involves exposure to risks of falls, heat or cold, and particularly wind. Nevertheless, these conditions require strict compliance with rules, as well as the use of personal protective equipment that ensures your safety.
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is the crane operator role versatile or specialised?
The crane operator profession is highly technical, yet the tasks are broad and versatile. It is a technician role that prepares you for many situations. By becoming a crane operator, you accept responsibility for everything around your crane, which includes a large part of the worksite.
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how do you apply for a crane operator role?
Applying is straightforward, create a Randstad account and browse the vacancies in your sector, then send us your CV and cover letter.
