Crane Operator

Burkes Mechanical, Inc.; Brent (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Burkes Mechanical, Inc. seeks an experienced Crane Operator to safely operate mobile, crawler, and hydraulic cranes within active industrial plants in Alabama. You will perform lifts per engineered plans, coordinate with riggers, and ensure compliance with safety rules and permit systems.

Required include a current NCCCO or NCCER crane license and 3+ years of hydraulic crane experience; OSHA training is preferred. Strong communication and record-keeping skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Current crane operating license (NCCCO or NCCER) required.
• 3+ years of experience operating hydraulic cranes.
• OSHA 10 or 30 construction preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret load charts and lift studies.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate mobile, crawler, or hydraulic cranes to lift, move, and place materials and equipment in operating industrial plants.
• Perform routine, heavy, and critical lifts per lift plans and site requirements.
• Maintain clear communication with riggers and signal persons during lifts.
• Inspect cranes daily and ensure proper setup, ground conditions, and outriggers.
• Maintain crane inspection records and report any issues or deficiencies.
• Support maintenance, shutdowns, and turnaround schedules with safe lifting operations.

Skills

Crane operation

Load charts interpretation

Rigging coordination

Safety compliance

Clear communication

Decision making under pressure

Tools

Rigging plans

Job description

Position Summary

The Crane Operator is responsible for safely operating cranes to support construction, maintenance, outage, and turnaround activities within active and operating industrial facilities. This role requires strict compliance with plant safety rules, lift plans, and permit requirements while working around operating equipment, piping systems, and other trades. The Crane Operator plays a critical role in supporting safe, precise lifts in high‑risk industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Safely operate mobile, crawler, or hydraulic cranes to lift, move, and place materials, equipment, piping, vessels, and structural components within operating industrial plants.
• Execute routine, heavy, and critical lifts in accordance with engineered lift plans and plant-specific requirements.
• Perform precision lifts in tight or congested work areas.
• Read and understand load charts, lift studies, and rigging configurations.
• Maintain constant communication with riggers and signal persons during lifting operations.
• Secure loads properly and ensure compliance with weight, height, and route restrictions.
• Must determine that the signal person understands and performs proper hand signals before lifting the load.
• Conduct daily pre‑operation inspections of cranes and report any deficiencies.
• Ensure crane setup complies with ground conditions, outrigger requirements, and site constraints.
• Comply with all OSHA regulations, company policies, and client/plant safety rules.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate crane inspection and maintenance records.
• Report mechanical issues and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
• Support plant maintenance, capital projects, shutdowns, and turnaround schedules.
• Understand and follow erection sequences and material placement plans.
• Work closely with riggers, signalpersons, and job supervisors during lifting operations.
• Ensure that all lifts are performed safely, efficiently, and within crane capacity limits.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.
• Ability to read, interpret, and calculate the load percentage by utilizing the load charts of the crane’s owner and operation manual.
• Must have a current crane operating license (NCCCO or NCCER Certification or equivalent).
• 3 or more years of experience operating hydraulic cranes required.
• Ability to operate crane by viewing hand signals.
• OSHA 10 or 30 Construction strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of industrial lift planning and rigging practices.
• Ability to work safely around live plant operations and process equipment.
• Excellent communication skills and situational awareness.
• Ability to remain focused and make sound decisions in high-risk environments.
• Willingness to follow strict plant rules and permit systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to understand instructions, applicable safety regulations, and to maintain records.
• Basic mechanical ability to troubleshoot crane/tractor issues.
• Ability to work in exposure to noise, dust, and heavy equipment operations.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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