Crane Operator (Heavy Civil & Bridge)

RNGD; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

RNGD seeks an experienced Crane Operator to safely operate a range of cranes on structural steel construction sites. You will assist with lift planning, rigging, and precise material handling while following rigorous safety standards.

Candidates should have NCCCO certifications for fixed and swing cranes, 3+ years of field experience, and the ability to read structural drawings. A TWIC credential and strong communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Must have NCCCO certification for fixed and swing cranes.
• Minimum 3+ years as a certified crane operator in structural steel erection.
• Experience reading structural drawings and erection plans.
• Familiarity with multi-crane/tandem picks and rigging basics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TWIC.
• Strong communication and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up, inspect, and operate cranes (crawler, RT, AT, truck) per load charts and manuals.
• Assist lift planning, rigging, and selecting appropriate rigging gear.
• Maintain lift logs, inspection records, and job tickets.
• Support field teams with crane positioning and mat/pad preparation.
• Communicate with riggers via standard signals or radio.
• Adhere to OSHA, ANSI, and RNGD safety protocols on site.

Skills

NCCCO certification (fixed cranes)

NCCCO certification (swing cranes)

3+ years crane operator experience

Reading structural drawings

Multi-crane/tandem picks

TWIC credential

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Company

RNGD is a rapidly scaling organization emerging as a nationally recognized leader in construction through our unique Renegade mindset focused on innovation, creativity, and culture. The team is made up of a highly engaged group of seasoned professionals and emerging leaders. We are creators who believe that what we build drives the growth of our cities and that to fulfill our mission, we must constantly challenge the old way of doing things. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, we thrive on building communities, building teams, building leaders, and growing the business throughout the Southeast region with offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Crane Operator that will safely operate mobile and stationary cranes to lift, move, and position materials, equipment, and other loads on RNGD Structural Steel construction sites. This role requires precision, strong situational awareness, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Operators must be proficient with multiple crane types, assist with lift planning and rigging, and support field teams in maintaining efficient and safe operations.

Core Responsibilities

• Crane Operation and Equipment Management
  • Set up, inspect, and operate cranes, including crawler cranes (hydraulic and lattice boom), rough terrain (RT), all-terrain (AT), and truck cranes.
  • Perform pre-inspection, startup procedures, and functional tests, including checking oil, grease, water, tires, fuel, and related components.
  • Interpret load charts and operator manuals to ensure safe operation.
  • Keep cranes and associated equipment clean and in proper working order.
  • Make minor repairs to cranes and heavy equipment; report serious mechanical issues promptly.
• Rigging, Lifting, and Material Handling
  • Use cable equipment, rigging gear, and crane systems to lift and move materials, machinery, and heavy objects.
  • Secure cargo using ropes, blocks, chains, covers, and other rigging materials.
  • Inspect rigging and loads, prepare materials for lifting, and verify lifting capacities to prevent overload.
  • Use standard hand signals or radio communication to coordinate lifts with riggers and signal persons.
  • Assist the project team in preparing and executing lift plans, including engineered and critical lift plans.
  • Assist in selecting appropriate rigging gear for each lift.
• Field and Equipment Support
  • Support ironworker crews with crane positioning and repositioning as the structure climbs.
  • Assist in crane setup, outrigger placement, and mat/pad preparation for each pick zone.
  • Maintain accurate lift logs, daily inspection records, and required documentation.
  • Manually move materials when necessary.
  • Support warehouse and logistics operations (loading, unloading, transporting materials/equipment).
  • Drive company trucks as needed.
  • Maintain accurate records, logs, job tickets, and required documentation.
• Safety and Compliance
  • Follow OSHA regulations, ANSI standards, and RNGD safety protocols at all times.
  • Maintain high situational awareness to prevent unsafe conditions or incidents.
  • Identify hazardous conditions or behaviors and report them immediately.
  • Contribute to a positive safety culture and uphold RNGD’s Safety Always core value.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• NCCCO certification for fixed and swing cranes.
• NCCCO certification for rigging.
• 3+ years of experience as a certified crane operator on fixed and swing cranes. Specifically in structural steel erection. (commercial, industrial, or institutional.)
• Familiarity with structural steel erection sequences, plumbing-up operations, and multi-story framing.
• Experience reading structural drawings and erection plans.
• Experience with multi-crane/tandem picks preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and ANSI standards for crane operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Exceptional relationship-building, listening, and communication skills.

Core Competencies

• RNGD Values Alignment
  • Exemplifies RNGD’s core values:
  • Renegade Mentality
  • Sweep Floors
  • Build Together
  • Honor Promises
• Operational Excellence
  • Demonstrates mastery in operating heavy machinery safely, efficiently, and with precision.
  • Adjusts techniques to varying soil, terrain, and weather conditions to ensure quality outcomes.
  • Maintains steady productivity while prioritizing control, accuracy, and site safety.
• Safety Focused
  • Consistently adheres to OSHA standards, company safety protocols, and job-specific safety plans.
  • Identifies hazards quickly and takes proactive steps to correct or report unsafe conditions.
  • Uses required PPE correctly and encourages a culture of safety across the jobsite.
• Equipment Care and Mechanical Awareness
  • Performs routine inspections and identifies mechanical issues before they elevate.
  • Demonstrates understanding of equipment capabilities, limitations, and maintenance needs.
  • Communicates equipment concerns promptly to minimize downtime and protect assets.
• Communication and Team Collaboration
  • Maintains clear, timely, and professional communication with supervisors and crew members.
  • Follows directions accurately and asks clarifying questions to ensure alignment on tasks.
  • Supports team operations by coordinating movements, signaling when needed, and anticipating workflow needs.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving
  • Responds effectively to changing site conditions, shifting priorities, and unexpected challenges.
  • Troubleshoots minor issues independently and escalates larger concerns appropriately.
  • Demonstrates initiative by anticipating work needs and seeking solutions rather than waiting for direction.

RNGD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.