Crane Operator
Operate stationary or mobile cranes to lift and position heavy objects.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Crane Operator?
- How to become a Crane Operator
- Latest Crane Operator jobs
- Top skills and experience for Crane Operators
- Is Crane Operator the right role for you?
- Crane Operator role reviews
What's it like to be a Crane Operator?
Crane Operators operate stationary or mobile cranes to lift, move and position heavy objects. Cranes are often located at wharves, shipyards and construction sites.
Tasks and duties
- Operate cranes, lifting objects and positioning them where needed.
- Perform inspections and maintenance on equipment.
- Check ground conditions before setting up the crane.
- Place steel plates or timber under the crane’s outrigger pads.
- Move the crane into position and attach loads, shackles, chains and slings.
- Check cabin instruments to ensure loads are within safe limits.
- Follow the signals of team on the ground giving directions for load placement.
How to become a Crane Operator
To become a Crane Operator you’ll need a number of licences. You can achieve a trade outcome in mobile crane operations by successfully completing the Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations (CPC32912).
- 1.You’ll need to obtain a high risk work licence, working at heights accreditation, intermediate rigging accreditation and a dogging licence through Safe Work Australia.
- 2.You’ll need a White Card to enter construction sites anywhere in Australia, available through registered training organisations.
- 3.You’ll also need a Heavy Combination (HC) and Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licences. Check with your local traffic authority for more information.
- 4.Complete a Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations (CPC32912). This qualification has a strong focus on safety requirements given the high risk nature of the role, and prepares you to work in the residential and commercial construction industry.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Crane Operators.Latest Crane Operator jobs on SEEK
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Crane Operator employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. High Risk Work Licence
Construction Induction White Card
Working At Heights
Australian HR Licence
Crane Operation
Over 100 Tonne Slewing Mobile Crane Licence
Crane Licence
Rigging Licence
Australian MC Licence
Mining
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Crane Operator reviews
5.0Aug 2019
Crane operating is a intersting and diverse job that is rewarded by a very good salary package for the right people
Reviewer's QualificationOpen mobile and open tower crane operator
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction Crane Operating
The good thingsCrane Operations are one of the most important aspects to the construction industry and you as an operator are very important in this role, you earn the respect of other workers by being a competent o...
The challengesTower Crane operating requires a very good head for heights and good abilities to focus on specific points of where your hook is and where your co-workers are at all times. be prepared to work long ho...
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4.0Jul 2024
Crane operating has been great for me and I recommend to anyone to give it a go.
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate IV in Training and Assessment
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsI enjoy new challenges. Each day is different. Mixing it up is enjoyable, Sometimes I’ll be operating Franna’s then slew cranes and occasionally doing the Dogging and Rigging.
The challengesI like routine when it comes to work colleagues. Same crane same crew type of work however during busy periods it can be frustrating working on multiple teams daily. Bearable though.
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