Crane and Tower Operators

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

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

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.94
Inspect crane site conditions to determine ground stability.94
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.90
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.90
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.88
Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.86
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.86
Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.83
Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.73
Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.71
Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets.68

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operation and Control72
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring69
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening53
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.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension50
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Equipment Maintenance47
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

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Repairing47
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting47
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Coordination44
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing41
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness38
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies31
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion31
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Installation16
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Systems Analysis16
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Financial Resources13
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mechanical64
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics50
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language48
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Transportation48
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security44
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 Construction43
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 Training40
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 Processing39
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management37
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 Technology35
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.
Computers and Electronics34
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design33
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

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Physics33
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Customer and Personal Service30
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Telecommunications29
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Personnel and Human Resources26
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative23
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media21
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Law and Government17
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Chemistry13
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Sales and Marketing13
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Economics and Accounting12
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography12
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Medicine and Dentistry11
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Foreign Language9
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology7
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Biology6
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Philosophy and Theology6
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
History and Archeology5
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production4
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Control Precision78
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multilimb Coordination75
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Depth Perception72
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Far Vision72
The ability to see details at a distance.
Rate Control69
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time69
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Arm-Hand Steadiness66
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Manual Dexterity63
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Response Orientation63
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Selective Attention63
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

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Oral Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension53
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visual Color Discrimination53
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Glare Sensitivity50
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Spatial Orientation50
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention47
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Hearing Sensitivity47
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Trunk Strength47
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Comprehension47
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility44
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Peripheral Vision44
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Equilibrium38
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Sound Localization38
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Wrist-Finger Speed38
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Fluency of Ideas35
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning35
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality35
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Number Facility31
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Limb Movement31
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Night Vision25
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment99
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Controlling Machines and Processes98
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects98
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials94
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events87
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment82
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings81
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment81
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems75
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Training and Teaching Others73
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public70
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Developing Objectives and Strategies69
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing General Physical Activities68
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others67
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards66
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information66
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Scheduling Work and Activities66
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others65
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others64
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates64
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People64
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Working with Computers63
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Coaching and Developing Others59
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge58
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Thinking Creatively57
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Analyzing Data or Information54
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization54
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources53
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work53
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Documenting/Recording Information51
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Selling or Influencing Others51
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information36
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment34
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Performing Administrative Activities24
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness87
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail77
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance54
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity52
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control51
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence33
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Perseverance29
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation27
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cooperation20
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability11
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative5
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Sincerity4
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional49
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative20
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising5
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social3
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day99%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day98%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day94%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day92%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility78%
- High responsibility21%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Contact With Others
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important74%
- Very important22%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

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Exposed to Contaminants
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours77%
- 40 hours23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results74%
- Moderate results22%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Telephone Conversations
Freedom to Make Decisions
Time Pressure
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually73%
- Less than half the time22%
Spend Time Sitting
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious76%
- Not serious at all23%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important20%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
E-Mail
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Never23%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Level of Competition
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom21%
- Very little freedom22%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day22%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)20%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never22%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
Spend Time Standing
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time25%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Work Schedules
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Degree of Automation
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time21%
- Less than half the time78%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time99%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time78%
- Never21%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software
Industrial control software
Crane operation control software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
Direct material handling or moving activities.
Verify information or specifications.
Weigh materials to ensure compliance with specifications.
Clean machinery or equipment.
Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
Secure cargo.

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Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
Inspect work to ensure standards are met.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Truck Crane Operator (Alternate Title: Crane Operator)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology