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Assistant Crane Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

May ride along with Driver to assist in the unloading of material at the customer site ... Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is ...

Receive hot rolled steel plate off the mill and assist crane operators in transporting to floor laydowns * Direct activities of crane operators in storage and shipment of plate * Set-up railcars and ...

Crane Chaser

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$25/hr

Receive hot rolled steel plate off the mill and assist crane operators in transporting to floor laydowns * Direct activities of crane operators in storage and shipment of plate * Set-up railcars and ...

Boom/Crane Operator

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

May ride along with Driver to assist in the unloading of material at the customer site ... Requires Boom or Crane Operator certification. Work Environment / Physical Activity: * Work is ...

Warehouse Overhead Crane Operator

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$17.75 - $20.75/hr

Hi! Im Mira, MSIs Intelligent Recruiting Assistant. You can ask me anything about our business, culture, team, and more. You can also ask me about open jobs. Id love to help you apply now! Click the ...

General Helper

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Communicate (hand/verbal) with crane operator. Perform safety inspections on equipment as required. Assist other crew members in their areas as instructed by supervisor. JOB REQUIREMENTS: 2 years ...

Laser Machine Operator (Fiber)

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$24 - $31.11/hr

Operates laser machine and traveling or stationary overhead crane (ground controlled) to lift, move ... Collaboration : Assist other machine operators and maintain a clean and organized work area.

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Assistant Crane Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$29

$42

How much do assistant crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant crane operator in Portland, OR is $29.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.93 and $35.19 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Crane Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Crane Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,881 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Crane Operator - Shipping

Orion Steel Group LLC

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

At Oregon Steel Mills LLC, our strength starts with our people! As a team we collaborate to solve problems, contribute ideas and challenge each other to ensure growth and ultimately success for the business and our employees.

The starting wage for this position is $27.00/hour with monthly incentive bonus opportunities. Our amazing benefits package starts on your very first day and includes low cost family medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation and paid holidays, a 401k plan with a 5% employer match, and an additional employer funded retirement savings account.

This position supports daily operations within the Shipping department by assisting with the movement, storage, and shipment of steel plate while coordinating closely with crane operators and other team members. In this role, you will help organize floor operations, direct crane activity for plate storage and shipment, and assist with preparing railcars and trailers for loading while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform routine equipment inspections accurately according to department guidelines

  • Implement daily plans for floor organization based on department schedules and deadlines

  • Receive hot rolled steel plate off the mill and assist crane operators in transporting to floor laydowns

  • Direct activities of crane operators in storage and shipment of plate

  • Set-up railcars and trailers in preparation for loading of steel plate for shipments

  • Keep accurate and legible records

  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment

  • Maintain knowledge of plate storage, movement and all related documentation

  • Utilize lean skills to drive for continuous improvement

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must work safely in a heavy manufacturing environment

  • Ability to work in an environment subject to fluctuations in heat, humidity, fumes, odors, dust and noise

  • Capable of working up to 12 hours per day, on any shift, any day of the week - including mandatory weekends, holidays and/or overtime

  • Flexible and willing to learn and accept changes in job duties

  • Ability to learn, retain and apply new knowledge

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment

  • Strong planning and organizational skills to meet department schedules and deadlines

  • Competent math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and accurate number identification

  • Be able to cross-train in other positions within the shipping department

  • Successful completion of ergonomics evaluation of physical requirements of position (frequent walking, standing, stooping and periodic heavy lifting up to 50lbs.)

  • 6-12 months experience in an industrial environment, preferred

Our total compensation package includes amazing benefits!

  • Competitive wages and bonus opportunities
  • Family medical, dental, and prescription coverage at minimal employee cost
  • Short and long term disability programs
  • Competitive retirement plans
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employer-provided and Voluntary Life Insurance options
  • Paid vacation and recognized statutory holidays
  • Apprenticeship and career advancement within the company
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Wellness program

All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA.

While we thank all those who apply, only those being actively considered for employment will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Orion Steel Group, L.L.C. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Orion Steel Group, L.L.C. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail careers@orionsteel.com or call: (312) 533-3577. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.