Crane and Tower Operators Go Back to List Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Industrial control software

Tasks
	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.

Skills
	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.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $87,297.00 $41.96  $30.41  $33.18 - $50.60  Bridgeport/Stamford $93,909.00 $45.16  $32.56  $36.80 - $52.36  Hartford $88,448.00 $42.53  $30.62  $32.65 - $49.71  New Haven $93,041.00 $44.73  $31.20  $38.63 - $53.88  New London/Norwich $77,327.00 $37.17  $31.87  $35.23 - $38.75  Waterbury $86,962.00 $41.81  $29.59  $32.00 - $48.87

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   38   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.