Trainee Mobile Crane Operator – Böcker Crane
Full-time | Permanent | PAYE£16.00 per hour starting rate, plus overtime, weekend rates, travel and overnight allowances
DSM Contract Lifting Services Ltd is recruiting an experienced HGV driver, HIAB / lorry loader operator, plant operator or candidate from a similar heavy-vehicle or machinery background to develop into a qualified Mobile Crane Operator through our established operator development programme.
We particularly welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel with relevant HGV, transport, plant, logistics, mechanical or engineering experience.
The successful candidate will initially work with our Böcker mobile crane fleet, gaining practical crane operating experience alongside experienced DSM operators and lifting personnel.
This opportunity is aimed at somebody who already understands professional driving, machinery, site working and personal responsibility and now wants to progress into a specialist crane operating career.
The Role
Working on live lifting operations, you will progressively develop competence in:
- Böcker crane setup and operation
- Daily pre-use crane and vehicle inspections
- Safe positioning of cranes for lifting operations
- Outrigger deployment and configuration
- Assessing ground conditions and suitable setup areas
- Crane load charts and rated capacities
- Working radius and operating limitations
- Lift plans, RAMS and site instructions
- Working with Slingers/Signallers and Lift Supervisors
- Lifting accessories and safe load handling
- Site communication and exclusion zones
- Crane and vehicle care
- Operational and safety documentation
- Safe travel and mobilisation between depot and customer sites
You will initially operate under the direction of experienced personnel, with responsibility increasing as your training, competence and experience develop.
This is an active, hands-on role. Applicants must be physically capable of working around heavy vehicles and lifting equipment throughout the working day, including climbing in and out of vehicles and crane cabs, assisting with crane setup, handling equipment, working outdoors and moving safely across construction and customer sites.
A reasonable level of general fitness, mobility and stamina is therefore essential for the role.
Who We Are Looking For
We are particularly interested in candidates from backgrounds including:
- HGV Category C or C+E driving
- HIAB / lorry loader operation
- Heavy haulage or specialist transport
- Construction plant operation
- Mechanical or engineering roles
- Construction and infrastructure
- Armed Forces transport or logistics
- Armed Forces engineering or plant operation
Previous mobile crane experience is not essential.
However, this is not intended as an entry-level driving role. We are looking for somebody who already has a good understanding of working with vehicles, machinery or plant and is comfortable taking responsibility for specialist equipment.
Essential Attributes
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- A professional and safety-focused attitude
- Good mechanical awareness
- Reliability and punctuality
- The ability to follow technical and operational instructions
- Confidence working on construction and customer sites
- Good communication skills
- A good level of general fitness, mobility and stamina suitable for an active, site-based role
- A willingness to work early starts and variable finishing times
- Flexibility to travel to different sites
- A willingness to undertake occasional weekend and overnight work
- Pride in the condition and presentation of company vehicles and equipment
A Category C or C+E HGV licence would be highly advantageous.
Current Driver CPC entitlement and previous HIAB / lorry loader qualifications or experience would also be advantageous.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will join DSM’s Pathway Crane Operator Programme.
DSM will provide structured practical development, mentoring and formal crane training, with the objective of progressing you into a qualified Mobile Crane Operator position.
Your development will include preparation for the relevant CPCS Mobile Crane Operator qualification, with training and assessment supported by DSM.
Progression is based on demonstrated competence, safe working practices, technical ability and professional conduct.
Successful progression provides a route into DSM’s Qualified Operator Pay Structure, together with further opportunities across our wider crane operations.
Full details of the training programme and associated terms will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and confirmed as part of the formal employment offer.
Pay
Starting weekday rate: £16.00 per hour
Current Pathway Operator rates:
- Weekday basic rate: £16.00 per hour
- Weekday overtime after 10 hours on site: £20.00 per hour
- Saturday: £24.00 per hour
- Sunday: £28.00 per hour
- Site-based work: Minimum 10 hours’ pay
Additional travel and overnight payments apply in accordance with DSM company policy.
Travel and Working Pattern
This is a mobile, site-based role.
Crane operations do not operate to fixed office hours, so applicants must be comfortable with:
- Early starts
- Variable finishing times
- Travel to customer sites
- Weekend work when required
- Occasional overnight stays
- Working outdoors throughout the year
- Remaining active and mobile throughout the working day
Travel time and applicable overnight allowances are paid in accordance with DSM’s current policies.
Location
The role will initially operate from our Little Warley, Brentwood depot.
DSM is currently relocating its operational base to Drakes Lane Industrial Estate, Boreham, Chelmsford.
There will be an anticipated overlap of approximately three months, during which the successful candidate must be able to work from both locations.
Once the relocation is complete, Boreham, Chelmsford will become the principal operational base for the role.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Any employment offer will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks appropriate to the role, including:
- Critical Worker Medical Assessment
- Drugs and Alcohol Test
- Right-to-work checks
- Driving licence checks
The Opportunity
For an experienced HGV or HIAB operator, this is an opportunity to move beyond conventional driving and develop into a specialist crane operating career.
For somebody leaving the Armed Forces with relevant HGV, plant, engineering or transport experience, it provides a structured route for transferring those skills into the civilian lifting industry.
DSM will provide the crane-specific training, practical development and support required to progress.
We are looking for somebody who wants to build a long-term career as a professional Mobile Crane Operator — not simply change driving jobs.
Pay: From £16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Little Warley CM13 3JT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- HGV : 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Category CE Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
