Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

Crane Operators work alongside a banks person who gives them directions when visibility of any part of the operation is restricted, either by hand signals or radio. Crane operation is a highly skilled job and operators are responsible for maintaining their machinery in good working order and carrying out routine safety checks. They control equipment by moving levers and pedals, operating switches and turning dials. They also set up and inspect equipment, make adjustments and perform repairs.  

The job of a Crane Operator may involve travel to different sites and it may be necessary to spend periods working away from home.

Most commonly reported Work 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 and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
• Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
• Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
• Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
• Load or unload bundles from trucks, or move containers to storage bins, using moving equipment.
• Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
• Inspect bundle packaging for conformance to regulations or customer requirements, and remove and batch packaging tickets.
• Direct truck drivers backing vehicles into loading bays and cover, uncover, or secure loads for delivery.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Training is often given on the job, supplemented by short courses. There are many Crane Operator courses available from a variety of providers which can enhance the prospects of those taking them, especially in combination with construction experience.

Certification of Tower Crane Operators will enhance the prospects of successful tendering at home and abroad and have the effect of raising standards of safety and operation of Tower Cranes in the Construction Industry.  

Key Skill certs  

SafePass will be required to work on most building sites.

Manual handling 

Health & safety or first aid training 

Working at height 

These courses may be available at local FET centres nationwide, you can search for these key skill certs via Search our FET Coursefinder

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Construction skills certification scheme for key skills tickets in FET centres around Ireland Search our FET Coursefinder

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €52k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Eirieri/ Salaryexpert/ WRC Construction

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual employment growth was negative for this occupation, with employment levels remaining unchanged between 2021 and 2022. The CSO Census data shows that over half (56%) of the employment in 2022, and growth between 2016 and 2022, was for those classified as mobile machine drivers/operatives not elsewhere classified (e.g. diggers, excavator drivers); in 2022 fork-lift truck drivers accounted for 32%, crane drivers and agricultural machinery drivers each accounting for 6%.

Despite the decline in employment, there were mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey relating to drivers for the construction sector (e.g. forklift drivers. crane, site, and teleporter operators). Future demand for drivers/operatives will be dependent on the level of construction activity in the short to medium term.

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Mobile Crane Hirers Association [IMCHA]

  • Click Here

• Irish Mobile Crane Hirers Association [IMCHA]

  • Click Here