To the untrained eye, a construction site often looks quite a bit like controlled chaos. Dump trucks driving all over the construction site and cranes moving loads from one location to another. It truly seems as though every worker has his own agenda to complete his own task. In reality, there is a lot more going on than this, especially in regards to the cranes and their proper operation. For each crane, there is a highly trained Rigger and a Signalperson involved in every movement they are making to ensure safety and proper execution.

At first glance, the crane operator seems to be the person with the most responsibility on a work site, and in fact, they are accountable for the safety of the entire work site. But, the Rigger is just as responsible for the safety of the crane operations. This includes the proper rigging of loads prior to them being lifted. To perform this properly, weight charts must be read and the proper rigging equipment used. This is an essential piece of the site’s overall safety as some of these loads can be extremely heavy and dangerous to coworkers.

Once the load is appropriately secured, it is then the Signalperson’s duty to safely guide the crane operator to perform the proper movement of the load from the rigging location to its final resting spot. Much like the director of an orchestra, the Signal person has to keep the flow of work moving to ensure the job is completed, but even more importantly, he must make certain that all crane activities are performed safely. This is performed using hand signals that must become second nature to the Signal person and the crane operator.

The Rigger and Signalperson have a great deal of responsibility to ensure the crew on the work site is safe, while at the same time, ensuring the job is correctly completed. Due to this responsibility and the importance of this position, it is mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that Rigger and Signalperson training must be performed, and a worker must be qualified or certified prior to performing this duty.

Once a worker has completed the Heavy Equipment Operator training, he will often head right out to his new career at an engineering or construction company. The new skills that have been taught will begin to become second nature with the experience gained in the field. At this time, a worker will either decide that he or she is happy working as a heavy equipment operator, or that he is looking for something more from his career. There are many paths that can be taken at this point, but one route that can be chosen in this decision making process is to move into crane operations.

Crane operators require some additional training and skills above the requirements for a heavy equipment operator to safely operate these mammoth machines. To be able to operate a crane on a work site, the passing of a certification test is required. With these additional requirements comes more responsibility regarding safety and effective work practices, but with these additional requirements also comes additional pay for the crane operator. In many workers’ eyes, this additional crane operator training is well worth the time spent to ensure a higher salary at the end of the day.

Crane operator training can be a huge investment in any worker’s future. In about a month, a heavy equipment operator can be trained and certified to operate a crane and advance his career. Crane operators are in high demand right now due to the “baby boomer” generation reaching retirement age. Now is a great time for heavy equipment operators to get the crane operator training under their belts. What better time than now to advance a career?

This week’s job listings show that, even in winter, crane operators remain in high demand. Heavy equipment job vacancies are still strong while truck driving opportunities come and go very quickly – there is, however, strong demand for truck drivers. Most of our job listings over the last couple of weeks have been for multiple positions, in many cases for new construction project. If you are interested in these or any other heavy equipment, crane operations, or truck driving jobs, then visit our job site for more information and all the current listings.

• Crane Operators – TX, Baytown
• Crane Operators – IA, Forest City
• Crane Operators – WI, Wauwatosa
• Crane Operator – PA, Hanover
• Crane Operators – Afghanistan and Kuwait
• Bulldozer Operators – TX, LA and MS
• Truck Drivers – ND, Williston
• Plant Operator – FL, Vero Beach
• Heavy Equipment Operator – CO, Denver
• Heavy Equipment Operator – Maryland

The trend is still for operators with a commercial drivers license, or with experience on a range of heavy equipment. If you’re looking to gain experience on road plant, then look for general heavy equipment vacancies with road construction companies. If you’re a good operator, they may give you the opportunity to gain experience on road plant that is currently in use. If you’re looking for a career as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, or certified crane operator, then visit our training site for more information training opportunities.

One option open to heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, and crane operators, is to seek opportunities overseas. One job listing in our Saturday job listing series required 80 crane operators for work in either Afghanistan and Kuwait. In fact, wherever the U.S. has had a military presence, you’ll find work for capable operators and drivers. You can also find work in many African nations where aid is helping to build roads, schools, hospitals and dams.

Before looking for work overseas, you will need to complete an appropriate training program. Crane operators generally need to be certified; truck drivers will need their commercial drivers license; and heavy equipment operators will need to have completed an approved heavy equipment training program. It will also help your cause if you can get six-twelve months of experience here in the U.S. before applying for international positions.

There is a high demand for experienced heavy equipment operators overseas. The pay is good, and, depending on where you work and who you work for, there are hefty tax concessions on your income. The downside is that you are working in remote areas a long way from home. You may even find you are working in somewhat hostile conditions and in areas that are quite primitive compared to what you enjoy at home right now. In some places, something as simple as running water is non-existent.

U.S. crane and heavy equipment operators (and truck drivers) are preferred in many locations, particularly where U.S. contractors are involved. They prefer to employ from home, fly suitable recruits to their work locations, and to fly them home again once their contracts have been fulfilled. These operators and drivers are generally offered new contracts to return after a short period R and R at home, often with bonuses for renewing those contracts. It does take a special type of person to work overseas under trying conditions, however, many enjoy the experience and continue to return year after year.

If you have a yearning to work overseas in remote and primitive locations, then perhaps heavy equipment operations, truck driving, or crane operations is worth considering.

If you work as a heavy equipment operator, then there’s a very simple reality about today’s workplace – you can’t have too many skills. Employers, when listing job vacancies, are now looking for operators with a range of talents. The most common is the wide range of heavy equipment that an operator has experience with. Other skills often requested include CDL licenses with experience on dump trucks or heavy equipment haulage. Employers are also looking for individuals who have had training and experience as a signal person and/or crane operator.

You don’t need to go to the expense of adding too many skills. If you start by learning as much as possible across a range of heavy equipment, you’ll meet an employer’s major requirement. Over time, however, it has been shown time and again that the addition of a commercial drivers license has added value to an individual’s career opportunities.

Modern machinery has changed to the point that some jobs can now be done in far less time. Rather than having an operator idle while awaiting their next task, employers are now wanting to move them onto alternative machinery. It’s understandable – an idle worker is not productive, yet the employer still needs to pay their wage.

If you are considering a heavy equipment training program, then be sure to gain as much experience across a range of equipment as possible. If you are already skilled as a heavy equipment operator, consider adding a commercial drivers license or a crane operators certificate to your skills list. You will open up more employment opportunities and add a lot more variety to your career.

What sets some heavy equipment training schools apart from others? In a nutshell, some care about the future of their graduates while others only care about the future of their bank balances. To be blunt, training schools have to make a profit in order to survive – but that’s business. Along the way, you can be profit focused, or customer focused, and history tells us that the most successful businesses are those that focus on the customer – and that’s the student when it comes to training.

Associated Training Schools have been training truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and crane operators for almost fifty years. One of the reasons we have been successful is the focus we place on the students’ future. We aim to make training as accessible as possible. In that regard, we offer assistance with financing your training and assistance with accommodation while undertaking your training. Our training is designed to be as complete as possible including both classroom-based tuition, and hands-on in-the-seat training – you get to do the operating, not watching someone else do it.

While our focus is on training you to a standard that makes you employable, we are also working with you to help you find that first job. It is not unusual for students to have their first job already arranged, before they have even graduated – they leave our training school and walk straight into their first job. Our career services section has thousands of employers they can refer graduates to, and online job site where employers post job vacancies (you can also check this blog on Saturday’s for some of the latest opportunities).

By focusing your successful long term future, we are also achieving our long term aims. Those aims include staying in business and employing some of the best training staff available – but then, that is also helping you achieve your dreams. If you are looking for heavy equipment training, crane operator training, or truck driver training, then make sure your training company is interested in your long term future, and not just the size of your wallet.

Who said there were no jobs for heavy equipment operators. We have enough jobs to satisfy everyone; at least, it seems that way. If you’re looking for work as a heavy equipment operator, crane operator, or truck driver, then check out what we have listed today. If there’s nothing there to really suit you, then check out other vacancies listed on our job site.

Finish Grader Operator – Polk County – Bartow, FL
Employer is looking for operators that have the physical, developmental, and mental ability to operate construction and maintenance equipment used primarily for finish grading operations.

Heavy Equipment Operator II – Walker, LA
This is a year-round position that involves the safe operation of various heavy equipment vehicles that perform the collection, transportation, and disposal of commercial and residential waste. Occasionally, items up to 75 lb. must be lifted while performing the daily routine in all weather conditions. Some shift, night, weekend, holiday work or overtime may be required. Daily vehicle inspection is required as is the completion of daily logs and reports.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Rhinebeck, NY
Experienced. Must be able to run various types of equipment. Competitive Salary, Medical Benefits, 401K. Daylight Shift.

Heavy Equipment Operator/Yard Associate – Benton Harbor, MI
This position is responsible for sorting different grades of material on delivery in the yard or in a specific department. They will have direct contact with all the customers. They will weigh, sort, upgrade and package materials. Operate computer, machinery and small equipment Actively participates and displays behaviors of the company values.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Laney, M.T.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Milpitas, CA
The purpose of the job is to operate heavy equipment safely, productively and efficiently. This job could require pushing, compacting, grading, loading or hauling waste or dirt and could require working alone or teaming with other Heavy equipment.

Operator – South Charleston, WV – ### Entry Level ###
Perfect for new graduates. Entry Level Operator (Operator-B) position requires the ability to transfer chemicals, perform physical activities, operate various types of equipment, utilize effective written and oral communication and complete all required training.

Motor Vehicle Operator – Gatlinburg, TN

Equipment Operator/Truck Driver – Leesburg, VA
Seeking qualified applicants for an Equipment Operator/Truck Driver position. Hiring Range: $27,656-$38,511

Heavy Equipment Operator – Dallas, TX
Work with Dozers, Backhoe, Trackhoes, and conducting excavation.

Equipment Operator – Portsmouth, VA

Heavy Equipment Operator – Sulphur, KY
Operate heavy equipment at a transfer station, recyclery and/or landfill for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in a productive and safe manner.

Backhoe operators with CDL-A – Bryan, TX

Crane Operator – Baltimore, MD
Immediate need for multiple experienced NCCCO crane operators for permanent employment. Crane operator should have experience operating in a construction environment, preferably in an industrial or civil setting. These positions are located on the East Coast, so must be open to relocation.

Spray Rig operators with CDL-A and hazmat – Campbell, NE

There are employment options for heavy equipment operators, crane operators and truck drivers right across the nation. If you’re interested in a career in any of these field, then contact us for more information about training to become skilled in these areas.

It is becoming more apparent every week that employers are focusing more on multi-skilled heavy equipment operators. We have often promoted the benefits of adding new skills to your employment options, and the jobs listing from this past weekend certainly give credence to our stance. What is worth noting is the range of skills that employers are looking for.

There are many operators who tend to focus on just one piece of heavy equipment. Bulldozers have long been a favored option followed by excavators and loaders. Employers are now looking for individuals who can operate all three, and more. They are also showing a preference for heavy equipment operators who can also drive a tractor-trailer – obviously, that requires a commercial drivers license. One addition that stood from the jobs listing over the weekend was for an operator who could do all of the above, and also operate a crane. That requires training and certification as a crane operator.

Fortunately, you don’t need to dash out and undertake training across the board. If you are new to the industry, then selecting one area of training and completing that successfully is your first goal. Your second goal is to obtain employment and to gain as much experience on the job as possible. If you select heavy equipment as your preferred area, then be sure to seek employment where you will have exposure to a range of equipment, not just the one type.

For those already employed within the industry, undertaking further training will help boost your employment opportunities. If you are a heavy equipment operator, adding crane operator training and certification could cover two areas – operating a mobile crane, and obtaining a commercial drivers license (often required to drive a crane on the open roads). If you are a truck driver, consider adding a crane operators qualification, or heavy equipment training, to your skills list. As you can see from these heavy equipment jobs, employers are looking for multi skilled operators – and they will continue to do so for a long time.

There are a lot of workplaces that require operators of heavy equipment and cranes to have specific skills to that industry, or to a specific job. The same can be said for those employing truck drivers, riggers or signal persons. For some businesses, they are moving into areas that are relatively new, having secured contracts they have tended for.

Being able to train your employees to do specific tasks with heavy equipment can be time consuming, and not very cost effective if you do it yourself. Associated Training Services (ATS) have been delivering customized training in areas such as heavy equipment operations, crane operations, truck driving (including CDL training) and rigger/signal person for almost half a century.

We are able to walk into a workplace, assess the training needs of that workplace, then deliver cost-effective training based on those needs. Where appropriate, ATS can undertake assessments of those individuals to ensure they receive the right documentation – for example, certification of crane operators.

ATS work with employers to ensure the training outcomes meet all the demands that operating their equipment may deliver, including safety aspects of their equipment. Training can be delivered at the workplace or in one of our facilities. Workplace training is often effective because the operators are learning using the equipment they are going to be operating.

Is it cost effective? In the majority of cases, most definitely. By engaging a professional training organization like ATS, your employees receive quality training that is focused on the employer’s needs. Skilled trainers are able to identify weaknesses quickly and to work those showing a weakness to ensure maximum productivity with lower down time due to accident or poor performance.

If you’re an employer with specific training needs when it comes to heavy equipment – cranes, truck driving or rigging/signal persons – then contact ATS for a no-obligation discussion on how we can assist you to obtain the best out of your employees.

Gender equity in employment has long been a challenge for women. I recently noticed an article on the topic of gender equity in truck driving, and some of the content could be equally applied to heavy equipment and crane operator careers.

Two statements really stood out. The first referred to the fact that a truck doesn’t know whether it’s a man or woman driving it – neither does heavy equipment machinery or cranes. The second statement was even more important, and to the point.

“recruiting ads looking for professional drivers you will often see the starting pay right in the ad. There’s no asterisk that says, “This pay rate is for men only.” Not only is that illegal, it would be foolish for a carrier to differentiate pay when the level of service is not dependent on the gender of the person behind the wheel. ”source

Again, this is very true of both heavy equipment and cranes. In fact, in today’s workforce, there are a lot of women working in all three areas. It’s not unusual to see a woman behind the controls of a bulldozer – in fact, from a distance, I’d challenge most people to tell me if was a male or female behind the controls.

Gender equality does exist in the field of heavy equipment. If you were to ask why there weren’t more female operators, the answer would be easy – they are not coming through and undertaking the heavy equipment training. It is no longer a man’s domain. As a career, the door is open to all who can pass the minimum requirements – and that really relates to training, including safety training, health, minimum age restraints set by the state, and the ability to communicate effectively in English. Meet those criteria, and you can train to operate heavy equipment, drive trucks, and operate a crane.