Lift Director

Holder Construction; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Holder Construction is seeking an Assistant Lift Director to support crane, rigging, and lifting operations on a Culpeper/Richmond/Herndon project. This full-time, in-person role emphasizes safety, compliance, and program leadership to maintain a high‑performing work environment.

The candidate will lead crane and rigging activities, reinforce our safety culture, participate in training, and collaborate with project teams to ensure zero‑accident outcomes and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Crane & rigging experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Certifications in crane operations preferred (CCO Crane Operator, CCO Rigger 1).
• Demonstrated ability to lead safety culture and support compliance initiatives.
• Clear, proactive communication and the ability to relay best practices.
• Ability to build trust with project teams, clients, and field personnel.
• Skill in identifying regulatory changes and communicating issues to reduce risk.
• Strong prioritization, follow-up, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate safety across rigging and crane activities and monitor lifting operations.
• Review critical lift plans and Job Hazard Analyses for compliance with ANSI/ASME/OSHA standards.
• Assist in accident investigations and data gathering for root causes.
• Conduct NCLP and rigging workshops; identify training needs for project teams.
• Create daily safety observations and inspections.
• Participate in weekly Lift Director calls to improve crane and rigging programs.
• Maintain communication with superintendents, risk management, and project teams.
• Lead and participate in pre-lift meetings and safety orientations as needed.
• Engage with subcontractor leadership and owner representatives on safety requirements.
• Identify new crane/rigging technologies and promote beneficial innovations.
• Champion a zero-accident culture reflecting the company’s risk values.

Skills

Crane & Rigging Experience

Safety Leadership

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Risk Management

Time Management

Certifications

Job description

About Us

Holder Construction is a nationally recognized leader in the construction industry, consistently ranked among the top firms on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors list. We are a performance-driven company that believes in rewarding excellence and investing in our people. Our structured career development program empowers associates to grow quickly into expanded roles and responsibilities based on merit. With operations throughout the United States, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Paid time off
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Night and swing shift differential pay for select roles

About Us

Holder Construction is a nationally recognized leader in the construction industry, consistently ranked among the top firms on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors list. We are a performance-driven company that believes in rewarding excellence and investing in our people. Our structured career development program empowers associates to grow quickly into expanded roles and responsibilities based on merit. With operations throughout the United States, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Annual bonus program
• Paid time off
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k)-retirement plan
• Night and swing shift differential pay for select roles

About The Role

We are looking for a Lift Director to join our Safety team on our project in Culpeper VA., Richmond VA., Herndon VA. This is a full-time, in-person position. We are seeking a highly skilled and safety‑driven Assistant Lift Director to support crane, rigging, and lifting operations across our project sites. This role is essential to maintaining a compliant, safe, and high‑performing work environment. The Assistant Lift Director will lead elements of our crane and rigging program, reinforce our Safety culture, and serve as a trusted partner to project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety Coordination — Conduct rigging inspections, monitor crane activities, and ensure safe lifting operations.
• Critical Lift Oversight — Review critical lift plans, Job Hazard Analyses, and ensure compliance with ANSI, ASME, and OSHA standards.
• Incident Investigation — Assist in accident/incident investigations, gathering facts and data to support root‑cause analysis.
• Training & Workshops — Conduct NCLP and rigging workshops; identify training needs for project teams.
• Daily Safety Documentation — Create daily HammerTech observations and inspections.
• Program Development — Participate in weekly Lift Director calls to help improve the crane and rigging program.
• Communication & Collaboration — Maintain ownership of communication with superintendents, risk management, and project teams.
• Pre‑Lift & Orientation Meetings — Lead and participate in pre‑lift meetings and safety orientations as needed.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Share expectations with subcontractor leadership and collaborate with owner representatives on safety requirements.
• Technology & Innovation — Identify new crane/rigging technologies and encourage teams to adopt beneficial innovations.
• Zero Accident Culture — Champion a zero‑accident culture and serve as a direct reflection of the company’s risk management values.

Qualifications

Required:

• Crane & Rigging Experience — Minimum 3+ years of crane and rigging experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Certifications — CCO Crane Operator and CCO Rigger 1 certifications preferred.
• Safety Leadership — Demonstrated ability to lead safety culture and support compliance initiatives.
• Communication Skills — Ability to provide clear direction, actively listen, and communicate best practices.
• Relationship Building — Ability to build trust with project teams, clients, and field personnel.
• Risk Management — Ability to identify regulatory changes, manage company risk, and proactively communicate issues.
• Time Management — Strong prioritization, follow‑up, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Approachable, open‑door leadership style
• Ability to resolve conflict constructively and move teams forward
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Lift Director is a cornerstone of safe and efficient lifting operations. By combining technical expertise with strong communication and leadership, this role ensures that every lift is performed safely, every team is supported, and every project reflects our commitment to excellence.

Holder is committed to Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE).

Substance abuse testing and a background screening is a condition of employment and Holder Construction does not sponsor applicants for immigration status or benefits.