1

Assistant Crane Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Little Rock, AR ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

With a base knowledge of construction tasks and physical labor experience, the Crane Operator will be trained to assist their Foreman with tasks associated with the repair and construction of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Crane Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do assistant crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant crane operator in Arkansas is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $27.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant crane operator?

Assistant Crane Operators are professionals who support crane operators in lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials on construction sites or industrial facilities. They are responsible for helping with crane setup, conducting safety checks, and ensuring communication between the crane operator and ground crew. Their duties may also include rigging loads, monitoring equipment, and adhering to safety protocols. Assistant Crane Operators play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and safety during lifting operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant crane operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation procedures, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with load charts, radio communication systems, and sometimes certification from recognized safety bodies (such as NCCCO) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and the ability to follow safety protocols are critical soft skills in this role. Mastering these competencies ensures efficient, safe crane operations and helps prevent workplace accidents.

What are common challenges faced by assistant crane operators?

Assistant Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing worksite conditions, maintaining clear communication with the lead operator and ground crew, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They must stay alert to potential hazards, such as shifting loads or obstacles, and be proactive in assisting with equipment inspections and maintenance. Building strong teamwork skills and staying organized help manage these challenges effectively, making the work both engaging and rewarding.

What is the difference between Assistant Crane Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectAssistant Crane OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA certification and basic crane operation trainingRequires OSHA certification, specialized crane operation licenses, and extensive training
Work EnvironmentAssists in crane operations on construction sites, factories, or shipping yardsOperates cranes directly in construction, shipping, or industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares equipment, assists with rigging, and supports the crane operatorControls crane movements, loads, and unloads materials

In summary, Assistant Crane Operators support crane operations by assisting with setup and rigging, while Crane Operators are responsible for the actual operation of the crane. Both roles require safety certifications, but Crane Operators typically have more advanced licenses and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas?

For Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Arkansas are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Crane Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,250 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Crane Operator

Capital Railroad Services

Little Rock, AR โ€ข On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The CRS team is looking for dynamic individuals that are highly self-motivated to join our mobile bridge construction crews and enjoy a rewarding career while traveling the United States. Capital Railroad Services, Inc. (CRS) has been at the forefront of railroad bridge rehabilitation in the United States and Canada since the mid-1950s. We are one of the nation's largest railroad bridge contracting and engineering companies, serving Class 1, regional and short line railroads. CRS has a strong safety culture and is a trusted partner with the railroad industry. We have been building careers for over 60 years and offer competitive wages with a rich benefits package and rapid advancement opportunities. With a base knowledge of construction tasks and physical labor experience, the Crane Operator will be trained to assist their Foreman with tasks associated with the repair and construction of railroad bridges. This position involves continuous travel from job to job throughout the United States with a schedule of 6 weeks on with 1 week off. Compensation The starting wage for this role is between $90,000 and $120,000 per year (based on hourly wage and overtime), to commensurate with experience. Our lodging allowance is $805 per week and will be paid according to policy guidelines.

Essential Functions The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

โ€ขExperience operating hydraulic cranes ? Constantly up and down step ladder onto Boom Truck (1st step is approx. 2 ยฝโ€™, 2nd step is approx. 1โ€™)

โ€ข Understand the proper rigging of loads ? Involves bending, stooping, lifting in order to attach straps to secure loads of timber, steel, tools etc. prior to lifting by crane.

โ€ข Perform and document daily crane safety inspection ? Greasing areas of crane (boom) and truck. โ€ข Perform scheduled maintenance on crane, truck and rail gear ? May involve climbing around on truck. Cleaning using solvents etc.

โ€ข Knowledge in different types of timber bridge construction, the structural significance of their components and methods of repair (Replace bridge timbers). Assist with said repairs.

? Run hydraulic spiker (weighs 65#, carry (5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™) from truck to setup in work area) ? Drilling holes in timber (Capital uses ยฝโ€ right angle drills โ€“ weigh approx.. 10#) ? Carry railroad tie plates (12# each) 4 at a time (48#) 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ from Boom Truck/Job Trailer to work location. Once installed, return 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ to retrieve more. Repeat process until all tie plates are installed.

? Carry tools 5โ€™ โ€“ 75โ€™ (approx. 30# at a time) from Boom Truck/Job Trailer to work location. Can involve moving up and down uneven terrain on 10โ€™-20โ€™ embankments (45 degrees)

? Carry 20 lb. keg of bolts 5โ€™-75โ€™ out to work location.

? Swinging a spike maul (weighs 11# - to pound railroad tie spikes into place) which requires repeated strikes per spike to drive it in. Should be able to complete pounding 8-10 before a break. On-site supervisor says he would be nervous giving him even 2 to pound in before a break.

? Carry guard timbers (up to 150# with help of another worker) 25โ€™-30โ€™ to work location ? Carry generator (up to 180# with help of another worker) 5โ€™-75โ€™ to work location at beginning of day and put away at end of day.

โ€ข Evaluate structural damage of a railroad bridge and set up proper repair procedures โ€ข Ability to make batter pile cuts using a batter cutting jig

? Setup pile posting jig (weighs 80#). Pick it up and move to next pile posting location (usually 5โ€™ โ€“ 10โ€™) ? Dig dirt to setup for pile replacement

โ€ข Ability to set up cutting channels for a cap change out

โ€ข Ability to set up and use the overhead jacking system

โ€ข Experience completing a change out of a cap and stringer on an open deck bridge

Job Responsibilities

โ€ข Remove steel rivets using pneumatic tools

โ€ข Regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 70 pounds. โ€ข Tighten structural steel bolts using impact wrenches

โ€ข Cut and remove structural steel using oxygen and acetylene torches โ€ข Drill holes in steel and timber using magnetic, electric, or hydraulic drills

โ€ข Install and dismantle scaffolding

โ€ข Drive spikes and pins using hand tools

โ€ข Perform digging and site preparation using hand tools

โ€ข Assist with general bridge repair and construction activities โ€ข Specific vision abilities are required for this job which include, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Requirements

โ€ข High School Diploma or equivalent โ€ข Previous Experience with heavy physical labor and exposure to heights

โ€ข Experience operating hydraulic cranes

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret load charts

โ€ข Successfully complete 40 hour crane operation and safety course within 60 days of employment

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret documents

โ€ข Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure

โ€ข Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form

โ€ข Must be NCCCO certified or capable of getting certification within 3 months of completing Crane Operator training

โ€ข Possess a valid commercial driverโ€™s license (CDL) equivalent to the state of Wisconsin Class A with hazardous material (HAZMAT) endorsement.

โ€ข Knowledge in different types of bridge construction, the structural significance of their components and methods of repair.

Work Environment

โ€ข Routine exposure to outdoor weather conditions

โ€ข Work at heights up to 300 feet

โ€ข Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and electrical sources

โ€ข Loud work environment requiring raised voice communication

Benefits

CRS offers an outstanding benefits package that includes the following:

โ€ข Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

โ€ข 401(k) with company match

โ€ข Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and bereavement leave)

โ€ข Travel Assistance Program

โ€ข Life insurance (employee, spouse, dependent)

โ€ข Short-term disability coverage

โ€ข Employee Assistance Program

โ€ข Company-provided PPE, equipment, tools, and transportation