Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Boom Truck Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Boom Truck Operator operates and maintains boom trucks and aerial cranes to lift, position, and place materials and equipment at job sites. The operator performs pre- and post-operation inspections, coordinates with rigging crews, follows lift plans and load charts, obtains required permits, and ensures all lifts are completed safely and efficiently while meeting company and regulatory safety standards.

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📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Laborer or Construction Laborer with rigging support experience
Truck Driver (CDL) transitioning to equipment operation
Apprentice crane operator or equipment operator trainee

Advancement To:

Crane Operator (mobile crane, tower crane)
Heavy Equipment Supervisor or Rigging Supervisor
Site Superintendent or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Rigger / Signal Person
CDL Truck Driver (Class A/B)
Utility Line Clearance Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct thorough pre‑shift and pre‑lift inspections of boom truck components including boom sections, hydraulic systems, outriggers, wire rope, hoist, hook, safety devices, brakes, lights, tires and fluid levels; document findings and remediate defects before operation.
Read, interpret and apply manufacturer load charts and capacity reduction factors for specific boom configurations, outrigger positions, boom angle and extension to determine safe lifting capacity for each lift.
Plan, rig and execute complex lifts by evaluating site conditions, ground bearing capacity, overhead obstructions, proximity to power lines, and required crane swing radius; create and follow lift plans and rigging diagrams.
Set up to manufacturer and site requirements: deploy outriggers on cribbing or pads, level the truck, verify outrigger load distribution, and install ground protection in soft or unstable terrain.
Operate boom truck to lift, swing and place loads with precision, using remote controls or cab controls as required, maintaining smooth, controlled movements to protect personnel and materials.
Sling and secure a wide range of materials—pipe, precast concrete, steel members, HVAC units, palletized materials—selecting proper slings, shackles, hooks, synthetic rigging, and tag lines to ensure stable lifts.
Act as signal person or follow signals from designated signal person; use standardized hand signals and two‑way radios to maintain clear communication throughout lifts and transport operations.
Perform load weights and center-of-gravity calculations and adjust rigging or lift approach to ensure proper balance and safety for non‑standard or asymmetrical loads.
Coordinate with site supervisors, foremen, riggers, and subcontractors to sequence lifts, schedule crane moves, and meet production timelines while minimizing disruptions.
Transport boom truck and materials between job sites safely, complying with DOT regulations, securing loads, and conducting required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections.
Obtain necessary permits, street closures, and utility locates for lifts occurring on public right‑of‑way or near infrastructure; liaise with local authorities as required.
Maintain accurate lift logs, inspection records, service records and daily operator reports; document near misses, safety incidents and maintenance needs promptly.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on boom truck hydraulics, winches, controls, electrical systems, and attachments; coordinate major repairs with fleet maintenance.
Implement lockout/tagout, fall protection and other safety procedures when working on, under, or near suspended loads or when performing maintenance, ensuring compliance with company and OSHA standards.
Execute confined space and elevated work precautions when setting or placing materials in restricted access areas; coordinate with safety personnel and use proper PPE.
Conduct cribbing, matting and engineered ground support installation for heavy lifts in challenging site conditions to protect infrastructure and maintain stability.
Assist with rigging education and on‑the‑job training for new riggers and crew; mentor junior operators on safe rigging, signaling and load chart interpretation.
Respond to emergency or recovery lifts including load stabilization, recovery of toppled loads and contingency planning for weather or mechanical issues.
Adhere to environmental and spill‑prevention protocols when refueling or servicing equipment on site to prevent contamination and comply with site requirements.
Participate in daily safety briefings (toolbox talks), job hazard analyses (JHAs) and pre‑lift meetings; proactively identify hazards and suggest controls to reduce risk on site.
Load and unload materials from trucks, secure shipments for transport, and assist ground crew with staged material layout to streamline lift sequences.
Perform night lifts or work in low‑light conditions with appropriate lighting, traffic control and permits; maintain visibility and safety standards for nighttime operations.
Support logistics planning by advising on crane placement, temporary road needs, and site access for efficient material handling and minimal project delays.
Ensure proper use and storage of rigging gear, perform tagging and retirement of damaged slings and hardware, and manage inventory of rigging supplies.

Secondary Functions

Assist project teams with lift studies, lift diagrams and pre‑job planning to streamline complex lifts and ensure adherence to engineering constraints.
Support fleet supervisors by reporting recurring maintenance issues and recommending scheduling adjustments or replacements for aging equipment.
Train and cross‑certify crew members on basic rigging, tag line handling and hand signal communication to improve team safety and coordination.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to refine lift processes, reduce setup time, and lower equipment wear and tear.
Collaborate with safety and quality teams to implement corrective actions after incidents and incorporate lessons learned into site procedures.
Support temporary traffic control, flagging and site perimeter management during crane moves and deliveries as required.
Assist in emergency response drills and recovery operations, providing operator expertise for complex removal or repositioning tasks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Safe operation of boom trucks, knuckleboom cranes and truck‑mounted articulating cranes in construction, utility and industrial environments.
Proficient interpretation and application of manufacturer load charts, capacity tables and outrigger load calculations.
Certified rigging skills: selecting slings, shackles, spreader bars, lifting beams, and understanding sling angles and rated capacities.
Current Crane Operator certification(s) such as NCCCO, CIC, or equivalent (where required) and knowledge of certification renewal processes.
Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL Class B or Class A preferred) with relevant endorsements and clean driving record.
Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, DOT requirements, and local permitting processes relevant to crane and truck operation.
Ability to perform pre‑shift, pre‑lift and post‑shift equipment inspections and to complete and maintain inspection logs and maintenance records.
Skilled in two‑way radio communication, standardized hand signals and working with designated signal persons.
Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical and control systems; ability to perform minor field repairs and coordinate major servicing.
Competence in calculating load weights, center of gravity, and determining rigging configurations for asymmetrical or non‑standard loads.
Experience with cribbing, matting and ground protection techniques for soft soils and urban sites.
Familiarity with lift planning software, load chart apps, or basic mobile tools for lift documentation is a plus.
Knowledge of safe transport and securing techniques for long loads, oversize material and multi‑piece shipments.

Soft Skills

Strong situational awareness and attention to detail to maintain safe operations and prevent incidents.
Clear verbal communication and active listening skills for effective coordination with riggers, supervisors and site personnel.
Reliable decision‑making under pressure; ability to pause or abort lifts when conditions change or become unsafe.
Teamwork and leadership: ability to instruct, mentor and collaborate with ground crew and subcontractors.
Time management and organizational skills to meet project schedules while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Problem solving and adaptability when confronted with unforeseen site constraints or load issues.
Professional demeanor and accountability; punctuality and consistent adherence to company policies and safety protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Preferred Education:

Technical or trade school coursework in heavy equipment operation, construction technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Heavy Equipment Operation
Construction Technology
Mechanical Technology
Rigging and Lift Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years operating boom trucks or truck-mounted cranes in construction, industrial, or utility sectors.

Preferred:

3+ years of hands‑on experience operating boom trucks with demonstrated safe work history.
Experience with specialized lifts (HVAC setting, precast placement, steel erection) and working near power lines or in congested urban environments.
Certifications: NCCCO or equivalent crane operator certification, OSHA 10 or 30, First Aid/CPR.
Valid CDL (Class B minimum; Class A preferred) and any region-specific endorsements or medical certifications (DOT physical).