Crane Operator (Req #: 6615)

PALA Interstate, LLC; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PALA Interstate, LLC in Baton Rouge, LA seeks a heavy equipment operator to lift and move materials using cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, and more, following job specs and blueprints.

Tasks include reading plans, performing geometry-based calculations, and coordinating with a flagger to ensure safe operation. Candidates must have rigging/flagging skills, pass the Pala-Interstate Certification Exam, and hold NCCER or NCCCO certification.

Qualifications

• Rigging and flagging skills required.
• Minimum four years of experience.
• Must pass Pala-Interstate Certification Exam.
• 20/30 and 20/50 Snellen eye sight with color vision/depth perception.
• Undergo OSHA required physical exam.
• Undergo baseline audiogram.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• NCCER or NCCCO certification required.

Responsibilities

• Drive equipment to work sites and direct riggers to place blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing.
• Read, study and interpret job specs, plans and blueprints; perform basic geometry-based calculations.
• Start engine and operate controls to rotate boom and lift loads.
• Communicate with flagger using hand signals or verbal instructions for positioning.
• Read load charts and select slings/chokers using geometry to verify loads.
• Identify hazardous conditions such as unstable ground, high winds, or traffic.
• Check equipment condition before use and perform regular maintenance.

Skills

Rigging and flagging skills

Education

High School or GED

NCCER or NCCCO certification

Valid driver’s license

OSHA medical exam

Job description

Date Posted: 09/29/2026

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Job Category: Basic Application (PALA)

Salary Interval: Full Time

Pay Range: N/A

The data you enter in the online application, including the contents of all attachments, is subject to verification. It is your responsibility to ensure that all the information provided in the application is accurate.

PALA Interstate, LLC

Summary

Operates gasoline or diesel powered heavy equipment to lift and move materials and objects as needed. May operate the following equipment: crane, backhoe, bulldozer, cherry picker, stinger, front-end loader, etc.

Reads, studies and interprets job specifications, plans and blue prints. Uses basic math skills including geometry, trigonometry to make calculations for work. Can complete difficult job tasks according to job specifications with minimal or no supervision.

Essential Functions:

1. Drives equipment to work site utilizing knowledge of driving laws and interpreting driving signals and directs activities of hoist laborer or rigger in placing blocks and out riggers to prevent capsizing when lifting heavy loads.
2. Reads, studies and interprets job specifications, plans and blue prints. Uses basic math skills including geometry, trigonometry to make calculations for work. Can complete difficult job tasks according to job specifications with minimal or no supervision.
3. Starts engine, moves hand and foot levers and controls to rotate equipment to raise, lower and extend boom, and to raise and lower the load line.
4. Receives and gives hand signals and/or verbal instruction to and from flagman in order to determine positioning of equipment and specific placement of materials being moved. Must utilize knowledge of hand signals and flagging techniques daily.
5. Must read and interpret load charts and make proper sling and choker selection using basic math skills including geometry to calculate the loads and to verify with the machine.
6. Responsible for identifying hazardous work conditions such as unstable ground, high winds and congestion of traffic and/or pedestrians.
7. Responsible for checking operational condition of equipment prior to use and performing regular maintenance activities such as lubrication of moving parts, checking fluid levels and insuring safe cables, chains and pulleys

Required Education and Experience:

1. Minimum of Four year experience.
2. Rigging and flagging skills.
3. Must pass Pala-Interstate Certification Exam.
4. 20/30 and 20/50 Snellen Eye Sight- color vision/depth perception.
5. Undergo OSHA required physical exam.
6. Undergo baseline audiogram.
7. Must hold a valid driver’s license.
8. Must hold NCCER or NCCCO certification.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. High School or GED preferred but not required.
2. Trade School program preferred but not required.

PALA Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI287402386