Crane Operator

J Benton Construction; United States Virgin Islands; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

J. Benton Construction, LLC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator (Crane) to safely operate cranes and support lifting, rigging, and earthwork on our Virgin Islands projects. The role requires knowledge of load dynamics, rigging, and site coordination, with OSHA-compliant training preferred and NCCCO certification required.

Expect collaboration with project teams and adherence to safety standards. We offer meaningful careers, competitive compensation, and opportunities to grow within a company

Qualifications

• Must hold NCCCO Crane Operator Certification.
• 2+ years crane operation experience in construction.
• Experience with heavy equipment including cranes.
• Knowledge of rigging practices, load charts, and lift planning principles.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Strong understanding of equipment inspections and preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate cranes to lift, move, and place materials per lift plans.
• Lead pre-lift planning by reviewing weights, rigging, and site conditions.
• Perform precise lifts with awareness of personnel and environment.
• Coordinate with riggers and signalers for safe operations.
• Conduct daily crane and equipment inspections; report issues to maintenance.

Skills

Crane operation

Rigging

Load charts

Lift planning

OSHA safety

Equipment inspections

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Education

NCCCO Crane Operator Certification

High School Diploma

Job description

About Us

J. Benton Construction, LLC is more than a construction company—we are a team of builders committed to delivering exceptional project experiences while giving back to the Virgin Islands community where we live and work. Our mission is to be recognized as one of the leading construction companies in the Caribbean through an unwavering focus on customer service, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Since 2019, J. Benton has been in a strategic partnership with Consigli Construction Co., Inc., one of the Northeast’s top general contractors. This collaboration allows us to leverage shared expertise, complementary strengths, and national-level resources to deliver best-in-class projects throughout the region.

We are proud to call the U.S. Virgin Islands our home and to build projects that make a lasting impact on our community—while offering our employees meaningful careers with opportunities to grow.

Position Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator (Crane) is responsible for the safe and precise operation of cranes as the primary function of the role, supporting lifting, rigging, and material placement activities across construction projects. This position also requires versatility in operating other heavy equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, and all-terrain forklifts, to support site development, material handling, and earthwork operations as needed.

The role demands a strong understanding of load dynamics, rigging practices, equipment safety, and site coordination to ensure efficient and compliant operations. Formal training and certifications in crane and heavy equipment operations that meet OSHA standards are highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate cranes to safely lift, move, and place materials, equipment, and structural components in accordance with approved lift plans
• Lead pre-lift planning activities by reviewing load weights, rigging configurations, and site conditions
• Execute precision lifts while maintaining full situational awareness of personnel, equipment, and environmental factors
• Coordinate with riggers and signal persons to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations
• Perform excavation, grading, and material handling activities to support project execution
• Load and unload equipment from trailers and transport vehicles following established safety protocols
• Conduct daily inspections of cranes and heavy equipment, ensuring proper functionality and identifying maintenance needs
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and promptly report mechanical issues to maintenance teams
• Ensure compliance with all company, OSHA, and site-specific safety requirements, maintaining a safety-first culture
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and field teams to support timely and efficient project delivery

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Strong safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a zero-incident work environment
• Ability to maintain focus and situational awareness in high-risk, dynamic job site conditions
• Effective communication and coordination with crews, signal persons, and supervisors
• Sound judgment and decision-making under pressure during lifting and equipment operations
• High attention to detail in interpreting load charts, lift plans, and safety procedures
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment issues and perform basic troubleshooting
• Adaptability to changing site conditions, priorities, and environmental factors
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across multiple disciplines
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and productivity

Required Qualifications

• NCCCO (or equivalent: NCCER, CIC, OECP) Crane Operator Certification
• Minimum of 2+ years of crane operation experience in construction environments
• Proven experience operating heavy equipment, including cranes
• Working knowledge of rigging practices, load charts, and lift planning principles
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe)
• Strong understanding of equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety protocols
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience with critical lifts and multi-crane operations
• Familiarity with drafting and interpreting lift plans

Preferred Experience (includes, but is not limited to)

• Experience operating mobile cranes (All Terrain, Rough Terrain, Crawler, and Truck-Mounted cranes)
• Ability to operate multiple equipment types (excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, forklifts)
• Experience in heavy commercial or industrial construction environments
• CDL and/or TWIC credential, or ability to obtain

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and sun exposure

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods

• Ability to navigate active construction sites with changing ground conditions and elevations

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

• Ability to safely use ladders, scaffolding, and other access equipment as required

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Equal Opportunity Employer

J. Benton Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not discriminate or retaliate against applicants or employees for discussing pay and provide reasonable accommodations as required.