Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jacking Crew Member

🎯 Role Definition

A Jacking Crew Member is responsible for the safe setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of hydraulic/mechanical jacking systems and associated temporary works. Working as part of a jacking team, this role executes lift sequences, performs rigging and slinging, follows engineered lift plans, documents jacking operations, and communicates continuously with supervisors, surveyors, and crane/signallers to ensure precision, safety, and project schedule adherence. Candidates must be safety-conscious, mechanically competent, and experienced in heavy lifting and temporary works procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice heavy equipment technician or rigger
Crane crew member / slinger-signaller
General construction laborer with temporary works exposure

Advancement To:

Senior Jacking Technician / Lead Jacking Crew Member
Temporary Works Coordinator / Lifting Supervisor
Heavy Lift / Rigging Supervisor
Site Mechanical Supervisor or Commissioning Lead

Lateral Moves:

Crane operator or banksman/slinger-signaller
Mechanical fitter for heavy plant
Temporary works or shoring specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, level, and secure hydraulic and mechanical jacks, cylinders, jacking frames, packing, and support timber or steel in strict accordance with engineered lift plans and manufacturer guidance; ensure jacks and supports are positioned to distribute loads safely and evenly.
Execute synchronous and staged lift sequences by operating multiple jacks in coordination, adjusting stroke and pressure to achieve controlled incremental movement while maintaining load balance and alignment.
Conduct thorough pre-use inspections of jacks, hoses, pumps, cylinders, couplings, gauges, shackles, slings and spreader beams; identify defects, tag out faulty equipment, and report for repair to prevent lift incidents.
Attach, inspect, and apply approved rigging gear (slings, shackles, chain hoists, turnbuckles) using correct hitching, load-angle calculations, and edge protection; maintain accurate sling identification and traceability.
Monitor live load indicators, pressure gauges, displacement and load cells during lifts; log readings and anomalies, apply corrective actions per the lift plan, and escalate to the lift supervisor if readings deviate from allowable tolerances.
Follow step-by-step lift procedures including trial lifts, hold points, and verification checks; maintain written records of stroke counts, pad settlement, and incremental lift heights for quality assurance and handover documentation.
Communicate continuously with the lift team, crane operators, surveyors and site management using standard signals, radios, or tag lines to coordinate movements and maintain a clear safety perimeter during operations.
Install, adjust and remove temporary works components such as cribbing, shoring props, saddles, packing plates and bearing pads to ensure secure support and controlled load transfer during jacking and lowering operations.
Perform basic hydraulic troubleshooting such as bleeding air, inspecting seals, replacing couplers, and ensuring hydraulic oil cleanliness and correct fluid levels to maintain reliable jacking performance.
Execute mechanical maintenance tasks on jacking equipment: cleaning, lubrication, tightening of fasteners, replacement of hoses and seals, and minor repairs within scope of competency; maintain calibration records for pressure gauges and load cells.
Support precise alignment and levelling activities by working with site surveyors to monitor plumb, level and elevation tolerances; make fine adjustments through coordinated jack control to meet engineering specifications.
Safely prepare and connect hydraulic power packs, motor pump units, accumulators and control manifolds; ensure all pressure reliefs, hose assemblies and quick couplers are rated and installed per plan.
Carry out confined space checks, permit compliance and atmospheric monitoring when jacking operations require work in restricted or below-deck spaces; follow permit-to-work procedures and standby rescue arrangements.
Maintain clean, organized tool and equipment areas; control and log inventory for jacks, hoses and rigging gear, ensuring appropriate spares are on-site to reduce downtime during critical lifts.
Support the lead engineer by setting up temporary instrumentation, attaching displacement transducers or dial gauges, and documenting settlement or movement data for reporting, commissioning, and client sign-off.
Participate in toolbox talks, lift briefings, HAZOPs and pre-lift risk assessments; contribute observations that improve the safety and efficiency of jacking operations.
Assist with load transfer and sequencing for structural jacking tasks such as bridge bearing replacements, span launches, prefabricated module installations, and heavy plant leveling during commissioning.
Coordinate the safe transfer of loads between jacks and permanent supports (e.g., bearings or piles) by following engineered sequencing, verifying capacity checks and confirming bearing seating with the supervisory team.
Implement and enforce site safety measures including barricading exclusion zones, signage, use of tag lines, and provision of appropriate PPE for the jacking crew and nearby personnel to prevent pinch, crush or drop hazards.
Prepare and complete accurate jacking operation documentation, including daily jacking logs, inspection checklists, non-conformance reports, and handover certificates to support project audits and regulatory compliance.
Respond to and participate in emergency plans for lift incidents, coordinating with first responders, stabilizing loads using secondary supports, and preserving site evidence while ensuring crew safety.

Secondary Functions

Support pre-mobilization planning by assisting in equipment selection, transportation logistics and temporary works material staging to optimize lift readiness.
Maintain digital and paper records of maintenance, calibration and certification for all jacking and rigging equipment; ensure traceability for client and regulatory audits.
Perform basic site housekeeping tasks related to jacking operations, such as securing loose hoses, routing cables, and removing tripping hazards to improve site safety and efficiency.
Mentor junior crew members on safe jacking practices, rigging basics and handover procedures; help coach apprentices and new hires to build team capability.
Participate in continuous improvement activities by documenting lessons learned, suggesting procedural enhancements and assisting with trialing improved jacking tools or processes.
Provide support during commissioning and decommissioning phases, including safe removal of temporary supports, careful lowering procedures, and final condition checks.
Coordinate with crane, survey and welding teams for combined operations; assist in timing lifts and ensuring no conflicting works occur in the jacking area.
Assist QA/QC and site engineering teams with inspections and non-destructive testing access when jacking affects structural members that require verification.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Hydraulic jacking system operation and maintenance (hand and hydraulic power packs, multi-point synchronous jacking).
Mechanical jacking, screw jacks, bottle jacks, hydraulic cylinders and strand jacks familiarity.
Rigging and sling selection, safe hitching, load-angle calculation, and inspection of lifting gear.
Load monitoring and instrumentation: use and logging of load cells, pressure gauges, displacement sensors and dial gauges.
Temporary works installation: cribbing, saddles, packers, shoring props and bearing pad placement.
Basic hydraulic troubleshooting, hose/coupler management and preventive maintenance procedures.
Reading and interpreting engineered lift plans, method statements, shoring drawings and jacking sequences.
Permit-to-work systems, confined space protocols, and atmosphere monitoring equipment operation.
Use of hand and power tools for jacking setup, including torque control for bolting and mechanical fastener installation.
Knowledge of inspection and certification requirements for lifting equipment; maintaining calibration and traceability records.
Basic understanding of structural behavior during load transfer and the ability to follow alignment and leveling tolerances.
Familiarity with safety standards and regulations (e.g., OSHA-like, local heavy lifting codes) and industry best practices.

Soft Skills

Strong situational awareness and risk perception in dynamic heavy lifting environments.
Clear radio and hand-signal communication skills to coordinate multi-person lifts safely.
Teamwork and the ability to follow and give direction during complex, timed sequences.
Attention to detail for logging, inspection and adherence to engineered tolerances.
Problem-solving and calm decision-making under pressure when lift anomalies occur.
Reliability, punctuality and strong physical stamina for manual and outdoor work.
Continuous learning mindset to adopt new tools, safety practices and temporary works techniques.
Customer-focused professionalism when interfacing with client representatives and inspectors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (or vocational/technical school certification).

Preferred Education:

Technical diploma or certificate in mechanical, construction or maritime trades.
Formal training in lifting and rigging, hydraulic systems, or temporary works systems.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering Technology
Civil / Structural Construction Technology
Marine or Offshore Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 6 years of hands-on experience in jacking, rigging, heavy lifting or temporary works operations.

Preferred:

3+ years on bridge, marine, modular construction or heavy plant jacking projects with exposure to multi-point synchronous lifts.
Demonstrable experience working from engineered lift plans, conducting pre-lift checks, and maintaining lift logs.
Recognized certifications (examples often requested): accredited rigging/lifting training, confined space, first aid, and site-specific safety tickets (e.g., OSHA 10/30, CSCS/CPCS/NPORS or equivalent depending on region).