A crane operator is an in-demand career for those who enjoy working with large machines. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for crane operators are expected to grow by about 8% over the next few years.

Cranes are an important component of many large construction and shipping projects. If you’d like to work on bridge cranes Louisville, below are a few skills you’ll need to excel in this field.

Dexterity and Precision

Crane operators must be agile and flexible with their hands and feet. When operating a crane, you’ll need to move a variety of levers, buttons and pedals quickly and precisely. 

Ability to Follow Directions

Cranes are huge and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. A crane operator will need to follow all operating instructions, rules and regulations carefully. It is critical to regularly assess whether a load is too heavy or imbalanced.

In addition to following safety orders, you’ll also need to keep track of the project itself. Orders and deliveries are often deployed to the operator using a ticket system. You’ll need to follow directions and also keep track of what has been moved and what still needs to be moved.

Mechanical Knowledge

An important part of safely operating a crane is having the knowledge of how the equipment works. Before using the crane, you’ll want to perform a detailed inspection of the cables, pulleys and other components. If anything seems broken or questionable, you’ll need to call in a teammate or supervisor to assess the damage.

Judgement Calls

As the operator, you’ll be responsible for making sound judgement calls quickly. A fast reaction time can help you excel in this career field. If a situation arises that could compromise the job quality or someone’s safety, you’ll need to react quickly and calmly.

A career operating a crane can be rewarding and challenging. If you enjoy thinking on your feet and operating heavy machinery, you should consider a career in crane operation.