Crane Operator

Crane OperatorPosition Summary

The Crane Operator safely and efficiently operates mobile, rough-terrain, or crawler cranes to perform rigging and lifting operations in support of bridge, structure, and heavy civil construction activities. This role requires current NCCCO certification and strict adherence to load charts, rigging plans, and site-specific lift plans to ensure safe, precise placement of materials and structural elements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate mobile, rough-terrain, or crawler cranes to lift, place, and position materials, precast elements, and structural components.
• Review and follow approved lift plans, load charts, and rigging plans for each lift.
• Perform daily pre-operation equipment and rigging inspections in accordance with OSHA and manufacturer requirements.
• Coordinate lifts with a qualified signalperson/rigger and ground crew, using hand signals or radio communication.
• Verify ground conditions, outrigger/crawler setup, and swing radius clearance prior to each lift.
• Set up and inspect rigging hardware (slings, shackles, spreader bars) in coordination with qualified riggers.
• Maintain accurate daily logs of crane operation, inspections, and maintenance issues.
• Coordinate with the Foreman and Superintendent on lift sequencing and schedule.
• Shut down and secure the crane at the end of shift or in adverse weather conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Current NCCCO certification for the applicable crane type and capacity.
• Minimum 3 years of experience operating mobile or crawler cranes on construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to read and apply load charts and rigging plans.
• Valid driver's license
• OSHA 10-Hour certification (OSHA 30 preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bridge/structure lifts, including precast girder or prestressed concrete element placement.
• Rigger/Signalperson certification.
• Multiple NCCCO endorsements (mobile, crawler, tower/lattice boom).
• Prior experience on MDOT SHA or VDOT bridge and heavy civil projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating machine controls.
• Ability to climb into and out of the crane cab, including ladder access on larger cranes.
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasonal weather conditions, with lift operations suspended in unsafe wind/weather.
• Adequate visual acuity and depth perception for precise load placement.

Working Conditions

• Active construction jobsite environment with structural work, elevated loads, and crew members working beneath or near the lift radius.
• Exposure to noise, weather, and elevated-load hazards requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.
• May require work overactive roadways, waterways, or rail with associated protective measures.
• May require early start times, extended hours, and occasional night or weekend work to meet project schedules.
• Travel between project sites throughout the DMV region as assigned.

About Concrete General

Concrete General has served the heavy highway civil construction industry since 1972, delivering Design-Build, Bid-Build, and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects — including bridges, box culverts, retaining walls, storm drain, excavation and grading, paving, and maintenance of traffic — primarily for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Concrete General has built more than 50 years of regional experience delivering heavy highway and bridge projects throughout Maryland and the greater DC metropolitan area, and continues to grow its role in complex, large-scale infrastructure delivery, including major interchange, bridge replacement, and highway congestion-relief projects across the state.

Concrete General's field and office teams are united by a commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and accountability, and the company takes pride in offering each employee a unique opportunity for personal and professional development in a family-oriented environment. Eligible employees receive medical and ancillary insurance coverage after 60 days of employment, a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match after three months of employment.

Pay: $26.00 - $37.00 per hour

Work Location: In person