 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
CRANE & HOISTING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – HYDRAULIC MOBILE CRANE |
 |
Select Alternate Year - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008
There have been no changes to this trade in the year of 2009.
Crane and hoisting equipment operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery, materials and other large objects. Hydraulic mobile crane operators service and operate booms that are mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames as well as traveling, fixed or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib.
Operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane, and raise and lower its boom and one or more loadlines. Some or all of these operations may be performed simultaneously.
Certification is required when operating mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of fifteen tons (13.6 tonnes) and over. Mobile crane operators also may drive the crane to the job site, rig the machine up (pin the boom and pendant cables and pull the hoist cable in preparation for operation), and set up the machine for the lift (i.e., make it level and stable) using blocking and leveling materials.
Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Hydraulic Mobile Crane (hydraulic mobile crane operator) work outdoors, often in noisy, dusty conditions. They work in various locations throughout Alberta, in all types of weather. A 40-hour, five-day week is normal, but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.
Occupational hazards include injuries resulting from power line contact, crane overload, falls, weather conditions or manual lifting.
Successful hydraulic mobile crane operators are capable decision-makers prepared to work independently when necessary. Yet they also enjoy the comradery of being part of a team and traveling to different locations. They often like variety in their work.
To be successful in the trade, hydraulic mobile crane operators need:
Hydraulic mobile crane operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and by crane rental companies. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates. Many crane operators are members of unions.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $24 to $38 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced hydraulic mobile crane operators may advance to supervisory positions, or set up their own crane rental businesses.
To work as a Hydraulic Mobile Crane Operator in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson or hold a recognized trade certificate. (see Recognized Trade Certificates)
A hydraulic mobile crane operator who holds a certificate that was issued by another recognized apprenticeship authority in Canada (province, territory or federal jurisdiction) may apply for an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.
Hydraulic mobile crane operators who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a credential that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
There is no apprenticeship program for the Hydraulic Mobile Crane Operator trade at this time. There is only an apprenticeship program for the full Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane trade.
The Hydraulic Mobile Crane Operator trade does not participate in the Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program.
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who has a recognized certificate, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require an Alberta Equivalency document as proof that the certificate is equivalent to the requirements of the trade in Alberta.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on Canadian credentials, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
- a certified heavy boom truck operator (or old boom truck) must have at least 3,750 hours and 29 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a hydraulic mobile crane operator
- a certified medium boom truck operator must have at least 5,250 hours and 44 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a hydraulic mobile crane operator
- a certified wellhead boom truck operator must have at least 6,600 hours and 53 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a hydraulic mobile crane operator
- a certified tower crane operator must have at least 4,500 hours and 38 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a hydraulic mobile crane operator
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the verification and assessment of the applicant's work experience hours/months as well as one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
Mobile Crane (550 ton lifting capacity)
