Overhead Crane Operator

Overhead Crane Operator

This role focuses on safely unloading semi-trailers, staging metal products, and handling materials after they are cut to length using an overhead crane in a large industrial warehouse. You will support machine operators by moving materials to and from production equipment and loading or unloading trucks. Over time, you will have the opportunity to learn and operate additional equipment such as cut-to-length lines and plasma cutters to help process customer orders.

Responsibilities

• Operate an overhead crane to move metal products to and from machines and in and out of semi-trailers.
• Unload semis and stage product in designated areas to support production flow.
• Handle material after it has been cut to length, including organizing, staging, and preparing it for shipment or re-rolling.
• Support machine operators by supplying necessary materials and performing material handling tasks throughout the shift.
• Assist with cutting metal to length and preparing it for shipment according to customer specifications.
• Learn and, as trained, operate equipment such as cut-to-length lines and plasma cutters to process customer orders.
• Perform order picking and inventory-related tasks to ensure accurate material availability and tracking.
• Use shop math to determine weights and ensure safe and proper use of the overhead crane.
• Read and interpret tape measurements to verify dimensions and ensure accuracy in material handling.
• Follow all safety procedures and participate in safety training and paperwork on the first day and ongoing.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area within the warehouse.
• Adhere to production schedules and support overall productivity goals.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate material flow and address issues promptly.

Essential Skills

• Previous warehouse or overhead crane experience (years of experience strongly preferred).
• Hands-on experience with overhead crane operation or a strong willingness to learn.
• Material handling experience, including loading and unloading trucks and staging product.
• Ability to perform shop math, including understanding weights for safe crane operation.
• Ability to accurately read and use a tape measure.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a clear desire to learn new equipment and processes.
• Experience working in a production or industrial environment.
• Ability to perform inventory and order picking tasks accurately.
• Capability to work safely in a large industrial warehouse environment.
• Reliability to work assigned shifts and overtime as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Crane experience is a significant plus and highly valued for this position.
• Experience handling sheet metal or similar metal products.
• Experience in production, unloading, and order picking operations.
• Interest in cross-training on cut-to-length lines, plasma cutters, and other production equipment.
• Comfort working in a union environment after the initial contract period.
• Willingness to train on first shift for up to one month if assigned to an off shift.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers a clear path from a short contract period into a union role, providing long-term stability and growth. Once hired on, you become eligible for a monthly production bonus based on productivity and hours worked, as well as a quarterly safety bonus of up to 4% of your quarterly pay. A 401(k) plan with a 5% match supports your long-term financial goals. As you cross-train and expand your skills, you can earn pay increases based on your growing knowledge and versatility. The organization values safety, skill development, and rewarding employees for their contributions, making it an appealing environment for those seeking a career, not just a job.

Work Environment

This position begins as a 90-day contract-to-union role in a very large, industrial warehouse originally built to accommodate large-scale manufacturing. The facility is old-school and expansive, with doors frequently opening and closing, which means temperatures vary significantly: it is hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the temperature cannot be fully controlled. Despite these conditions, employees benefit from strong compensation, bonuses, and development opportunities. The work is performed indoors and out of direct weather elements, but you should be comfortable with fluctuating temperatures. Shifts include a first shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a second shift from 2:30 p.m. to 12:50 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with a $0.75 shift differential for second shift and potential overtime on the late shift. Off-shift employees may train on first shift for up to one month. The schedule includes two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute unpaid lunch. Safety is a priority, with the first day dedicated to safety training and paperwork. Steel-toe boots with built-in metatarsal protection (non-detachable) are required as part of the dress code to ensure safe operation in this heavy industrial environment.

If you are interested in next steps, please schedule a virtual with me to talk through next steps!