Crane Operator (NCCCO or Equivalent Required)

About the Role

Burkes Mechanical is a multi-state heavy industrial contractor providing mechanical, electrical, civil construction, and fabrication services to pulp & paper, chemical, petroleum, and manufacturing facilities. Our crane rental service provides turnkey crane services across the Southeast, operating from multiple crane yards and customer facilities. Our fleet handles equipment setting, relocation, and large-scale lifts, while our certified operators deliver reliable testing, installation, and maintenance.

We are hiring two Crane Operators:  one based in  Thomasville, AL and another located in either Selma, AL or Brent, AL.

The Crane Operator transports mobile cranes to customer job sites using an 18-wheeler and performs safe, efficient crane operations upon arrival. This role requires a skilled operator who can manage both over-the-road driving responsibilities and field crane work, ensuring excellent customer service and adherence to all safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport mobile cranes using an 18‑wheeler to and from job sites.

• Perform DOT‑compliant pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections.

• Inspect crane, truck, and trailer and submit required reports.

• Secure loads and ensure compliance with weight, height, and routing restrictions.

• Verify that signal persons understand proper hand signals before lifting.

• Perform safe and correct rigging for all lifts.

• Collaborate with riggers, signal persons, and job supervisors during lifting operations.

• Ensure all lifts are performed safely, efficiently, and within crane capacity.

• Follow all OSHA and company safety protocols.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Ability to read and interpret crane load charts and calculate load percentages.

• Ability to program crane computer systems and safely set up crane on site.

• Valid CDL‑A (no restrictions) with clean driving record.

• Valid NCCCO, NCCER, or equivalent crane operator certification.

• Minimum 3 years of hydraulic crane operating experience.

• Ability to operate crane by viewing hand signals.

• OSHA 10 or 30 certification (as required by project).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Basic mechanical ability for troubleshooting equipment.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay

• BCBS health and dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401(k)

• Vacation

• Supportive team environment

• Strong safety culture

Safety and Career Development

Safety is non-negotiable. Crane operators at Burkes are expected to lead by example: enforce exclusion zones, verify tag lines and signaling, follow lift plans, and stop unsafe lifts. We provide formal lift-plan training, daily toolbox talks, and access to continuing education and certification support so skilled operators can grow into supervisory and operations roles.

Burkes Crane Rental is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.