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Bridge Operator Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

CRANE OPERATOR

Newport News, VA · On-site

$57K - $85K/yr

CRANE OPERATOR Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 27, 2026 Req ID: 46543 ... The Role The selected candidate will operate various bridge and gantry cranes. Candidates should ...

We have immediate needs for a Crane Operator with Dredge/Clamshell experience. Must be willing to ... Experience must be commensurate with requirements of project (e.g. bridge or utility experience ...

We have immediate needs for a Crane Operator with Dredge/Clamshell experience. Must be willing to ... Experience must be commensurate with requirements of project (e.g. bridge or utility experience ...

CRANE OPERATOR Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 27, 2026 Req ID: 46543 ... The Role The selected candidate will operate various bridge and gantry cranes. Candidates should ...

CRANE OPERATOR Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States Date: Aug 27, 2026 Req ID: 46543 ... The Role The selected candidate will operate various bridge and gantry cranes. Candidates should ...

Showing results 21-40

Bridge Operator information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$28.5K

$47.7K

$65.2K

How much do bridge operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge operator in Suffolk, VA is $47,737.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $54,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bridge operator?

Bridge operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of movable bridges, such as drawbridges or swing bridges. Their main duties include raising and lowering the bridge to allow the safe passage of boats or ships, ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining clear communication with vessel operators and other relevant parties. They also perform routine inspections and minor maintenance on bridge mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. This role is crucial for both transportation efficiency and public safety in areas where waterways intersect with roadways or railways.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge operators during their shifts?

Bridge operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected mechanical issues, coordinating with marine and vehicular traffic, and responding to emergency situations like severe weather or accidents. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential to maintain safety and minimize disruptions. Operators also need to stay vigilant during long or overnight shifts to ensure the bridge is operated according to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bridge control systems, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help operators respond effectively to emergencies and coordinate with vessel crews. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of moveable bridges, protecting both river and road traffic.

What is the difference between Bridge Operator vs Lock Operator?

AspectBridge OperatorLock Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a state license or certification, maritime knowledgeOften requires a state license or certification, navigation skills
Work EnvironmentOperate drawbridges, movable bridges over waterwaysOperate locks to raise and lower boats in canal systems
Industry UsageMaritime, transportation, infrastructureMaritime, transportation, canal systems

Both Bridge Operators and Lock Operators work in waterway transportation, requiring similar certifications and working in maritime environments. The main difference lies in their specific functions: Bridge Operators control movable bridges, while Lock Operators manage water levels in locks. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient waterway navigation.

How do you become a bridge operator?

To become a bridge operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in operating mechanical or electrical systems. Training is often provided on the job, and some positions require certification or licensing, especially for operating drawbridges or complex machinery.

How much do bridge operators make?

Bridge operators in Louisiana typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. They often work in environments requiring knowledge of mechanical systems and may need certification or licensing to operate drawbridges or similar equipment.

What job categories do people searching Bridge Operator jobs in Suffolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Bridge Operator jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Bridge Operator jobs?

Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Bridge Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Bridge Operator job openings in Suffolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,737 per year, or $23 per hour.

CRANE OPERATOR

HII

Newport News, VA • On-site

$57K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,623 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

CRANE OPERATOR
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Aug 27, 2026
Req ID: 46543
Team: O53 LOGISTICS
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $57,283.20 to $85,196.80
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
The selected candidate will operate various bridge and gantry cranes. Candidates should possess the ability to perform basic math skills to include simple area, volume, weight calculations and center of gravity. Must be able to learn universal hands signals for proper crane operation
Must Have
Candidates must be able to climb, work at heights, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs
Nice to Have
High school graduate or equivalent. Must have the ability to perform basic math skills to include simple area, volume, weight calculations and center of gravity. Experience in one or more of the type cranes listed above with a capacity greater than 10 ton
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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