Crane Operator (NCCCO Required)

About the Role

As a Crane Operator at Burkes Crane Rental, you’ll operate and maintain mobile cranes and rough terrain cranes to safely set heavy equipment, lift structural and piping assemblies, and support shop and field rigging tasks. You will work closely with rigging crews, supervisors, and site leadership to execute lifts per lift plans, maintain equipment logs, and enforce safe lifting practices. 

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate mobile truck cranes and rough terrain cranes for rigging and heavy lifts.

• Read and follow lift plans, load charts, rigging diagrams, and job-specific lift procedures.

• Perform pre-shift and pre-lift inspections; complete daily equipment and maintenance logs.

• Coordinate with riggers, signal-persons and supervisors to set up lifts, tag lines, and establish safe exclusion zones.

• Verify load weights, proper rigging hardware, and sling configurations before lifts.

• Maintain crane housekeeping, report defects, and assist mechanics with basic troubleshooting.

• Participate in toolbox talks, lift plan reviews, and post-lift debriefs to capture lessons learned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Valid NCCCO crane operator certification (or equivalent national certification) for the crane types to be operated.

• 3+ years’ crane operating experience in heavy industrial, fabrication, or construction environments preferred.

• Proven ability to read load charts, perform rigging math, and follow written lift procedures.

• Comfortable working at heights and in outdoor industrial environments.

• Good communication skills and ability to work within a coordinated rigging team.

Preferred Certifications and Training

• NCCCO mobile crane and rough terrain crane certifications.

• Signal-person and rigging hardware competency (NCCCO signal-person or employer-equivalent).

• OSHA 10 or 30, confined space awareness, and hot work awareness as required by project.

• Manufacturer-specific crane operator training and in-house equipment certifications a plus.

• Basic mechanical aptitude for conducting pre-shift inspections and collaborating with maintenance crews.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to operate a variety of cranes on carbon steel, stainless, and specialty alloy projects across fabrication yards and industrial job sites.

• Clear advancement paths: operator → senior operator → lift supervisor / rigging lead.

• Paid safety and technical training, vendor-supported certifications, and mentorship from experienced rigging and operations personnel.

• Benefits on eligible roles and a team-focused culture that values safe, predictable execution. execution.

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.