Crane Operator

Job Title: Crane Operator

Job Description

This position operates swing-cab telescopic boom cranes to safely lift, move, and position heavy construction materials and industrial equipment on projects located in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Nevada. The role requires strict adherence to safety standards, accurate interpretation of lift plans and load charts, and close coordination with site personnel. Candidates who can travel between project sites and who are willing to assist with tasks outside of the crane cab are preferred and will be compensated accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Operate swing-cab telescopic boom cranes to lift, move, and position heavy construction materials and industrial equipment in a safe and controlled manner.

• Review and verify lift plans before operations, ensuring all details are accurate and feasible for the site conditions.

• Evaluate weight distribution and consult load charts to confirm that lifts remain within safe operating limits.

• Inspect rigging gear prior to each lift to verify proper condition, capacity, and correct configuration.

• Perform mandatory pre-operational daily safety inspections on the crane and related equipment, documenting findings as required.

• Log operational hours and maintenance checks for the equipment in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor weather conditions, including wind speeds and sudden changes, and adjust or suspend operations as needed to maintain safety.

• Continuously assess site conditions and hazards, communicating potential risks to the site team and adjusting operations to mitigate them.

• Coordinate closely with signal persons and ground crew to ensure clear communication and safe crane movements.

• Support site setup and breakdown activities related to crane operations, including positioning, stabilizing, and securing equipment.

• Assist with ironwork-related lifting and placement tasks as needed to support overall project execution.

• Contribute to general site activities outside of the crane cab when required, supporting the construction team to keep work progressing safely and efficiently.

Essential Skills

• Valid NCCCO TLL (Telescopic Boom Crane – Swing Cab) Certification.

• Proven experience operating swing-cab telescopic boom cranes for safe lifting operations.

• Strong understanding of load charts, weight distribution, and lift planning.

• Ability to inspect and verify rigging gear prior to lifts.

• Experience performing daily pre-operational safety inspections and logging equipment hours.

• Ability to monitor and respond appropriately to changing weather conditions and site hazards.

• Effective communication skills to coordinate with signal persons and site personnel.

• Experience in ironwork to support lifting and placement of structural components.

• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Nevada.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL A).

• Willingness to work outside of the crane cab when needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting site setup for crane operations, including positioning and stabilizing equipment.

• Familiarity with construction site safety practices and industry standards.

• Ability to practice and refine crane operating skills in a training yard environment.

• Flexibility to adapt to different project sites, teams, and work conditions.

Why Work Here?

You join a company that invests in your growth with structured training and practice opportunities in the yard to sharpen your crane operating skills. You benefit from a raise after 90 days, rewarding strong performance and commitment. The organization values flexibility and offers additional compensation for those able to travel, providing exposure to diverse projects across multiple states and the chance to expand your experience on varied job sites.

Work Environment

This role is based on active construction sites across North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and Nevada, working primarily with swing-cab telescopic boom cranes and related rigging equipment. You work outdoors in varying weather conditions and must continuously monitor wind speeds and environmental factors to maintain safe operations. The position involves close collaboration with signal persons, ironworkers, and other site personnel in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. Work hours follow typical construction schedules and may vary by project, with periods of increased activity during critical lift operations. You will also have access to a dedicated yard for training and practice, where you can refine your crane operation skills in a controlled setting. Appropriate workwear suitable for construction sites, including personal protective equipment, is required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fargo, ND.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fargo,ND.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.