Lifting & Transportation Trainee (Chicago)

barnhart-crane-rigging; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

401(k) with company match

Health/dental/vision after 90 days

Paid time off

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Barnhart Crane & Rigging in Chicago invites applicants to join a structured Lifting & Transportation Trainee program designed to build skills from the ground up and launch a long-term career in the crane and rigging industry.

You'll rotate through shop, yard, and field operations, gain hands-on experience with cranes and heavy equipment, and learn to support real-world projects across energy, construction, and infrastructure in a safety-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to travel and participate in a 2-year rotational program.
• Ability to learn and grow in a hands-on, technical environment.
• Desire to build skills in cranes, rigging, and heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 2-year rotational training program across shop, yard, and field operations.
• Gain hands-on experience with cranes, rigging equipment, and heavy transport systems.
• Rotate through fabrication, load testing, and job site operations (3–6 months per rotation).
• Learn to support real-world projects across energy, construction, and infrastructure.
• Build technical skills in a fast-paced, safety-driven environment.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Interpersonal communication

Willingness to travel

Safety-minded

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join a Team That Builds, Lifts, and Moves America

At Barnhart, we don’t just move equipment — we solve complex challenges that power industries across the country. As a Lifting & Transportation Trainee, you’ll enter a structured program designed to build your skills from the ground up and launch a long-term career in the crane and rigging industry.

What You’ll Do

This role is designed to give you full exposure to Barnhart operations, making it an ideal entry point for someone who wants to grow into a long-term career in heavy lift and transport. In this role, you will:

• Participate in a 2-year rotational training program across shop, yard, and field operations
• Gain hands‑on experience working with cranes, rigging equipment, and heavy transport systems
• Rotate through areas like fabrication, load testing, and job site operations (3–6 months per rotation)
• Learn to support real‑world projects across industries such as energy, construction, and infrastructure
• Build technical skills in a fast‑paced, safety‑driven environment

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Competitive Pay + Weekly Pay Schedule
• Permanent, full‑time role
• 401(k) program with company match up to 10% of pay
• Family medical, dental and vision insurance is available after 90 days of employment
• Paid time off and other benefits
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities
• Opportunity to work on industry‑leading equipment
• Long‑term growth opportunities
• Join a company with a strong safety‑first, team‑driven culture

What You Bring

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work safely in a hands‑on, technical environment
• Willingness to travel and commit to the full training program

Preferred:

• Mechanical aptitude or background (shop, equipment, etc.)
• Interest in cranes, rigging, or heavy equipment

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran