Crane operators are also called crane drivers in Canada. They are one of the most highly needed professions in the country. Since the inception of transformation of the construction and manufacturing industry, Canada has birthed new modern infrastructure and buildings. Crane operators are much needed on construction sites to move heavy loads, construction materials, from one place to another. In this article, we will explore all the information and details you need to know about securing a crane operator job in Canada.
What you need to do as a Crane Operator in Canada
A crane operator who works in Canada, is likely to spend more time working on site, long hours of labour, etc. A crane operator will also be in charge of the maintenance, operation and use of the cranes on site. Other roles include: investigating the crane’s condition daily, operation and control of the crane on site, monitoring the crane stability and loading of weights, repairs of machine faults, and reporting issues to authority. We will explain more about the roles, duties and responsibilities of crane operators in Canada.
Regions in Canada where Crane operators are much needed
It is important you should know that some crane operators are needed in some regions of Canada rather than other regions in the country. These regions include:
1. Alberta
This region of the country has a lot of construction and manufacturing industries. You should choose Alberta because of the following:
- The oil and gas sector is firmly found in this region and it has helped the area’s economy grow and develop. Crane operators are very much needed in this area.
- They are also needed in areas like Fort st. John, Fort Mcmurray, Grande Prairie and Dawson Greek.
- Crane operators are also highly paid and well appreciated.
2. British Columbia
It is very much obvious here that this region houses a lot of construction and manufacturing industries and crane operators will be much needed in this area. You will also be able to gain more experience with modern technology and equipment in the maintenance and control of cranes.
3. Manitoba
This region is well covered by crane operators in the country and this is due:
- There are more employment opportunities for crane operators and other similar professions like construction labourers, drivers, truck drivers, engineers, etc
- The demand for a crane operator will not cease to stop any time as more construction industries are starting up every time.
- Many construction projects like the hydroelectric dams in Northern Manitoba and others have been completed in this region; which implies that Manitoba is a good region to learn new modern technology skills and develop yourself.
- More demands for crane operators rise during the spring due to more construction projects coming in at this period and also in summer.
- The older crane operators will also retire soon as it has opened more doors to young workers.
- A higher percentage of crane operators are found more in the construction industries and manufacturing with a value of 44% and 22% respectively.
4. Ontario
Ontario is another top region in the country with more investments in its economy. You should consider this region because:
- The region is always a centre of attraction for investors, company owners and governments.
- Investors will always want to start up their new industry in this region as it has been obvious in recent years.
5. New Brunswick
Monclon, Shediac, Sackville, Richibucto, are favorite regions for investments to establish construction and manufacturing industries including warehousing. You should consider these regions; as there are less crane workers in this region who are experienced and skilled. And the employment opportunities are very much excellent for any similar crane jobs.
Special skills of a Crane Operator
The following are the basic skills you should have to work as a crane operator in Canada:
- Full understanding of how to control, maintain and use crane machines and tools.
- You will also need to work as a team i.e working together as a group not individual.
- You will also need to possess some problem solving skills, patience and ability to withstand pressure.
- Some attentive skills; to follow instructions and work safely with precautions.
- Good insights
Full Details of the Duties, Roles and Responsibilities of a Crane Operator
A crane operator is responsible for a lot of duties and roles to discharge to ensure a proper running of the operations on the construction site. Crane operators are employed by construction, industrial, mining and railway companies. They move, lift, carry loads, machinery, materials, and heavy objects from one place to another on the construction site. Other roles include:
- They perform daily assessment of the crane condition and check all conditions
- They also perform minor repairs and other routine duties like cleaning, washing n=and lubricating the surface of the crane.
- They can handle cranes that are mounted on boats to move, carry and position heavy objects and materials on the construction site.
- They also handle cranes like the oil cranes to load and unload supply objects
- They handle dragline cranes to bring coal seams and ore deposits to open holes in mines.
- Locomotive cranes which are used to transport heavy objects and materials are handled by crane operators. .
- They also load and unload ship objects.
- They record all the daily activities and materials used daily by the cranes.
- They report any minor and major issues regarding crane machines to senior colleagues.
- They work with the security on site to ensure machine and equipment safety on site.
Similar role title For Crane Operator Job in Canada
- Tractor crane operator
- Truck crane operator
- Walking bridge crane operator
- Wrecking crane operator
- Cinder crane operator
- Climbing crane operator
- Climbing tower crane operator
- Construction crane operator
- Crane and hoisting equipment operator
- Demolition crane operator
- Dragline crane operator
- Dragline operator – crane
- Crane hoist operator
- Apprentice mobile crane operator
- Apprentice operator, mobile crane
- Boat crane operator
- Boom crane operator
- Boom truck crane operator
- Boom truck hoist operator
- Bridge crane operator
- Cantilever crane
- Drilling rig crane operator
- Electric crane operator
- Electric dragline operator
- Electric gantry crane operator
- Gantry crane operator
- Jib crane operator
- Ladle crane operator
- Locomotive crane operator
- Locomotive crane man/woman
- Mechanical hoist operator
- Mobile crane operator
- Electric monorail crane operator
- Electrical equipment operator – Derrick
- Floating crane operator
- Hoist operator – foundry
- Hoist operator (except underground mining)
- Monorail crane operator
- Operator, boom truck hoist
- Overhead crane operator
- Pile driving crane operator
- Power crane operator
- Rail crane operator
- Railway car puller – crane
- Rigger (except shipbuilding and aircraft assembly)
- Ship crane operator
- Skip operator
- Tower crane operator
- Crane operator
- Crane operator apprentice
- Crane operator, drilling rig
- Crawler crane operator
- Hoist operator, boom truck
- Hoist operator, crane
- Hot metal crane operator
How to Apply for a Crane Operator Job in Canada
Applying for a Crane operator job in Canada is like every other job in the country. The first step is to look for job opportunities. We now live in a modern technology world where you do not need to apply physically at their doorstep for a job enquiry or application. You can do both the job enquiry and application online and get a job approval online as well. You will need to search for a crane operator job on many online Canada job portals which include: Indeed, Glassdoor, Canada job bank – the official job portal for Canada government. The next step is checking your eligibility. The most basic eligibility for a crane operator job in Canada are:
- Language proficiency: You must be able to speak, talk, communicate with either of the two official languages i.e an english or french language. The priority of each language depends on the region of the country you are working in.
- Academic qualification: You are expected to possess at least a high school diploma, secondary school certificate, etc. This job does not necessarily expect a high education certificate from you.
- Criminal record: You must have no crime record with your name or be convicted of any judicial issues.
- Licensing and certification: It is also necessary that you have the license to practise as a crane operator in the country. This is very important and it may require you to attend a few classes and sit for a licensing exam.
After the fulfilment of the above eligibility criteria and other requirements from your employer, then you can now go ahead to apply for the job online. You will have to fill in all the necessary details and submit all the requested documents like the personal documents (valid ID passport, birth certificate or adoption certificate). It is important you also check your application form twice, to submit an error free form. Your cover letter and resume are also important to your job application.
A cover letter is like a personal self promotion letter where you show your skills to your employer, convince them how your skills, qualifications can help their firm. You can also include the company’s information like their goals, achievements and inform them how you can make them achieve their goals, and increase their company’s value. Your resume must also contain all the relevant qualifications like crane operator license, you will need to practice in the country.
You will also have to follow up your job application, replying to all messages as soon as possible and keep checking your notifications. We wish the best in your journey to Canada as a Crane operator.