Heavy Crane Operator (Industrial)

Central Arizona Project; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k)

Medical, Dental and Vision

Life insurance

LTD and Short-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Paid training

12 weeks Parental Leave

Job summary

Central Arizona Project seeks an experienced Crane Operator for its traveling crew across Arizona. You will operate lattice cranes, hydraulic telescopic and other cranes, with heavy hoist responsibilities and complex rigging.

The role demands extensive travel, up to 70% of the time, to support CAP facilities and projects. You must hold a valid CDL Class A, NCCCO certification, and complete crane apprenticeship or equivalent, with 3+ years in hoisting equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; completion of a federally registered operating engineer and crane apprenticeship, or 7 years of related experience.
• 3 years of hoisting equipment experience or 7 years with a diploma and related heavy-haul experience.
• Experience reading lift plans and load charts; crane preventative maintenance and adjustments.
• Ability to operate mobile/overhead cranes meeting critical lift criteria and rigging plans.

Responsibilities

• Operate CAP hoisting equipment across CAP structures, facilities, and rights‑of‑ways.
• Perform rigging and crane setup under hazardous conditions with safety as priority.
• Transport heavy equipment using trucks and trailers; assist other departments as needed.
• Use CMMS and record maintenance logs, lift plans, and repairs.

Skills

Crane operation

Rigging

Hoisting equipment maintenance

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Crane Apprenticeship program

NCCCO certification

CDL Class A license

Job description

About the Pay

Note: The starting pay of $46.87 does not reflect the full range which currently goes up to $51.31 per hour. The compensation typically increases quickly within the first two years of successful performance and proven mastery of skills.

About Central Arizona Project

Central Arizona Project (CAP) is a 336-mile system that supplies Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona. More than 6 million people rely on this supply. CAP employs nearly 500 people who enjoy a team-oriented and safety-focused work culture. The close community of a small company is driven to help fulfill our extremely valuable mission.

Hear what our employees are saying about working for CAP.

Compensation & Benefits Package includes:

• Competitive Salaries
• Arizona State Retirement System - Pension
• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life insurance, LTD, Short-term disability
• 4-10 (Mon-Thur) work schedule
• Paid training & tuition reimbursement
• 9 paid holidays
• Paid vacation & sick time
• Wellness programs
• No benefits waiting period
• Relocation benefits
• Significant training and development opportunities
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
• 12 weeks Parental Leave

About the Responsibilities

The Crane Operator functions as a resource to the entire organization and provides top quality, efficient, and safe service to the customers of Centralized Maintenance. The Crane Operator operates all hoisting equipment including conventional lattice type cranes, mobile hydraulic (telescopic, rough terrain) cranes, crawler cranes, boom trucks and Pumping Plant overhead cranes (cab and pendant) in support of the operation and maintenance of the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Provides support to other work groups, including but not limited to structure construction/maintenance, hoisting operations (pump/transformer repair and overhaul), and sediment removal (clamshell operation), and transportation (heavy equipment, stop logs, bulkhead gates, etc...).

Some of the duties include:

• Operates all CAP hoisting equipment in support of operation and maintenance of CAP structures, facilities and rights-of-ways. Safely performs specialized activities such as out-of-ordinary rigging and setting up cranes under potentially hazardous conditions such as uneven or soft terrain, around overhead power lines and around structures. Safely operates crane to hoist and manipulate loads at or near capacity. Observe load hookup to determine safety of load. Proficiently manipulate or depress crane controls such as pedals, levers, and buttons to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement.
• Services and maintains adjustments on hoisting equipment to ensure proper positioning and working order of equipment. Assists other Departments with the installation and or removal of equipment and materials to complete a project, as approved by direct supervisor or higher-level management. Transports heavy equipment such as man lifts, forklifts, piping, track hoe, pumps, etc., utilizing a truck and trailer.
• Effectively utilizes Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and other computer programs/software applications for maintenance tasks and to document equipment condition, recording maintenance logs, lift plans, and repairs on hoisting equipment.
• Performs a wide variety of manual labor and tasks associated with the operation, maintenance and general housekeeping of CAP Pump Plants, Check Structures, Turnouts and various Aqueduct facilities during times excluding Equipment Operation. Assists journeyman-level tradesman and performs related duties as assigned.

Travels to various locations along CAP for multiple days in a row, staying overnight for up to 3 nights. Travel can be as much as 70% of the position.

Why is THIS Job Awesome?

One of the best parts of being on CAP's traveling crew is the opportunity to work in different parts of Arizona, build relationships with plant personnel, and maybe even discover a new favorite spot for a weekend getaway. Along with excellent benefits and membership in the Arizona State Retirement System, you'll find real purpose in your work as part of CAP's dedicated team helping reliably manage and deliver Colorado River water to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties.

About the Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a High school diploma or GED equivalent, have completed a federally registered operating Engineer and Crane Apprenticeship, plus 3 years of experience with hoisting equipment (conventional lattice type cranes, mobile hydraulic telescopic, rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, boom trucks, and overhead cranes). Or, have a High school diploma or GED equivalent plus 7 years of experience. Two (2) years of experience in heavy haul equipment transporting (mechanical type gooseneck trailers, over dimensional equipment, and a working knowledge of curfew requirements. Must have experience in crane preventative maintenance and inspection procedures; knowledge of servicing and maintaining hoisting equipment (clutch adjustments, fueling, servicing, etc.); demonstrated proficiency in reading and interpreting manuals, specifications and drawings; use shop mathematics to make calculations and the ability to read lift plans and load charts. Ability to operate mobile/overhead cranes that meet Critical Lift criteria, including development of critical lift plans and rigging associated with work of this nature. Strong understanding of crane functions and limitations, assembly, and disassembly procedures.

Must hold a commercial drivers’ license, class A, and maintain a good driving record. Must possess and be able to maintain a National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) certification.

This is a safety-sensitive position and requires physical testing.

If you're an experienced Heavy Crane Operator who takes pride in safety, teamwork and doing the job right, bring your skills to a career that rewards you for the long haul. Enjoy outstanding benefits, retirement security including a pension and 401(k), and the stability of a respected organization - all while doing challenging, meaningful work.