Operates stationary and mobile cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people in areas such as building sites, factories, mines, sawmills, wharves and shipyards.

• Operates controls to rotate cranes, move cranes on fixed rails, raise and lower jibs and booms, and raise, lower and move hooks and objects; works in conjunction with Construction Riggers and Crane Chasers to position hooks and raise, move and place loads; controls the movement of loads, and monitors speed, acceleration and braking distances directly and by signalling to other operators; monitors plant operation, instruments and gauges to detect malfunctions and problems; lubricates ropes and winches on cranes and replaces worn cables; may operate cranes fitted with attachments for purposes such as demolition and pile driving; may operate overhead cranes using hand controls suspended by cables from cranes.

• Generally works in mobile or tower crane operating cab, which is usually closed in.
• Works in most weather conditions and may work at significant height when on construction sites.
• Operates on construction, industrial and at various other work sites.

• Sedentary to light demand work levels.
• Sits in a crane cab constantly.
• Climbs up numerous steps or ladder rungs to enter and exit cab if a tower crane.
• Uses upper limbs, hands and body to stretch down and across to operate controls.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements are not a significant feature of the job.
• Twisting of the body or neck is required on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Significant contact with water or skin irritations is not required.
• Lifting and carrying is not required.
• Bending is not a significant feature of the job.
• Frequent repetitive hand and arm movements in the form of pushing and pulling are required for the operation of controls.
• Driving is frequently to constantly required.
• Use of hand tools is not a significant feature of the job.
• Mental skills necessary include machine operation, practical, mechanical and technical skills. Good spatial cognition is necessary along with the ability to sustain concentration.

• All persons operating a crane must hold the applicable Unit Standards for the specific type of crane being operated, as outlined in the Approved Code of Practice for Cranes (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
• Some employers prefer Crane Operators to have a National Certificate or National Diploma for the crane they are operating.
• Mobile crane operators must also hold the appropriate Heavy Vehicle Licence (varies depending on the size of the crane), a Wheels (W) endorsement and be at least 18 years old to drive a mobile crane on the road.
• To operate a Hoist or a Lift an NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) is required.
• In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.