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Bulk Crane Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor Crane loading and unloading vessels at the marine terminal, handling containers, bulk cargos, general cargos, heavy lift and ...

Overview This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor Crane loading and unloading vessels at the marine terminal, handling containers, bulk cargos, general cargos, heavy lift and ...

... bulk materials, using hoisting attachments, such as hook, sling, electromagnet, or bucket. Must have NCCCO certification. Responsibilities * Operates crane under general supervision, manipulating ...

Overview This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor Crane loading and unloading vessels at the marine terminal, handling containers, bulk cargos, general cargos, heavy lift and ...

Crane Operator Welcome to Ryerson, where exceptional career opportunities await. As a leading ... Breaking down bulk bundles for customer-specific orders * Packaging of material to customer ...

... bulk materials, using hoisting attachments, such as hook, sling, electromagnet, or bucket. Must have NCCCO certification. Responsibilities: Operates crawler cranes; mobile cranes (such as wheel ...

Work closely with crane operators, riggers, signal persons, dock crews, and supervisors to complete ... Familiarity with bulk material handling and vessel loading/offloading procedures. Physical ...

... bulk and packaged materials. Operate Cat 1 mobile crane to perform complex lifts at water pump ... Crane operation work is often arduous/tiring, requiring sitting in operator's seat for long periods.

... bulk and packaged materials. Operate Cat 1 mobile crane to perform complex lifts at water pump ... Crane operation work is often arduous/tiring, requiring sitting in operator's seat for long periods.

E-Crane Operator

Coeymans, NY · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

E-Crane Operator Job Category: Skilled Trades Location: Coeymans, NY 12045, USA Description For ... Familiarity with bulk material handling and vessel loading/offloading procedures. Physical ...

E-Crane Operator

Coeymans, NY · On-site

$28 - $29/hr

Work closely with crane operators, riggers, signal persons, dock crews, and supervisors to complete ... Familiarity with bulk material handling and vessel loading/offloading procedures. Physical ...

Crane Mechanic

Gloucester City, NJ · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

... is operated by Gloucester Terminals LLC and offers stevedoring and break bulk services. The ... We are seeking a skilled A Crane Mechanic who is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing ...

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Bulk Crane Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do bulk crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bulk crane operator in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Bulk Crane Operator during daily operations?

Bulk Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as managing heavy loads with precision, adapting to variable weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Daily operations require constant communication with ground crews and supervisors to coordinate efficient material movement. Operators must also remain vigilant for mechanical issues and perform basic maintenance checks to prevent downtime, making attention to detail and situational awareness crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Bulk Crane Operator vs Tower Crane Operator?

AspectBulk Crane OperatorTower Crane Operator
CertificationsCrane Operator Certification, OSHA safety trainingCrane Operator Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, ports, industrial yardsHigh-rise construction sites, urban projects
Industry UsageHeavy lifting of bulk materials like coal, gravelPrecise lifting of materials at height, building structures

Both roles require crane operator certifications and safety training. Bulk Crane Operators typically work with large, mobile cranes handling bulk materials in industrial settings, while Tower Crane Operators focus on high-rise construction, lifting materials to great heights. The main difference lies in the type of crane operated and the work environment, though both are essential in construction and industrial industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bulk Crane Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bulk Crane Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized crane operation certification. Familiarity with crane controls, load monitoring systems, and safety protocols is essential, and operators often use equipment such as overhead cranes and computerized control panels. Attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work calmly under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and precise handling of heavy materials, minimizing workplace hazards and maximizing productivity.

What are Bulk Crane Operators?

Bulk Crane Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating cranes to move large quantities of materials, such as bulk cargo, containers, or construction materials, at ports, warehouses, or construction sites. They ensure the safe and efficient handling and placement of heavy loads using specialized equipment. Operators must follow strict safety protocols, communicate with ground crews, and perform routine maintenance checks on their machinery. This role requires training, attention to detail, and often certification or licensing depending on local regulations.
Infographic showing various Bulk Crane Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Bridges and Structures -Crane Operator

Smith Rowe, LLC

Hickory, NC

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Want to be part of a company who gives back to their employees?  You've stopped at the right ad! We expect a lot from our employees, but we also give a lot in return. 

We care about our employees by providing an exceptional benefits package. We also work to further our employees' careers by doing our best to promote within the company.  If you care about job performance, work well with others, can be accountable, have a positive attitude, can follow company/safety guidelines, are dependable, punctual, respond positively to supervision, you will be a great fit for our company!

Operating since 1983, the Smith-Rowe Team has grown and developed into a formidable construction company. Our organization employs teams with capabilities in structures, grading, utilities, storm drain, retaining walls, sound walls, signage, demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Employee Paid Premiums for Medical Insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Account
  • Telemedicine
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Sign On/Referral Bonuses

Position Overview:  The position of crane operator contributes to the overall production goals of the project.  This position is NOT an entry level position.

Duties and Responsibilities: 
Operates traveling or stationary overhead crane to lift, move, and position loads, such as machinery, equipment, products, and solid or bulk materials, using hoisting attachments, such as hook, sling, electromagnet, or bucket: Observes load hookup and determines safety of load.
Manipulates or depresses crane controls, such as pedals, levers, and buttons, to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement according to written, verbal, or signal instructions.
Cleans and maintains crane and hoisting mechanism.
Inspects crane for defective parts and notifies supervisor of defects or malfunctions.
May attach load to hook or other crane accessory prior to operating crane and be designated Crane Operator-Hooker or Crane Operator-Hooktender.
May be designated by type of crane operated or material handled as Bridge Crane Operator; Charging-Crane Operator I; Cinder Crane Operator I; Gantry Crane Operator; Hot-Metal Crane Operator I; Ingot Stripper I; Scrap Crane Operator I; Tower Whirler Operator; Wall-Crane Operator.

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred. 
Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience required. 
Previous experience with bridge construction, road, highways and pile driving, preferred
Previous experience with pile hammers such as diesel, air and hydraulic

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

OSHA 10 hour preferred
Certified Crane Operator Certification required
Qualified Rigging Level training is required under 1926 Sub part CC
Qualified Signal Person Level 1
Current North Carolina Driver's License, required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Able to read and comprehend simple instruction, short correspondence, and memos.  
Able to write simple correspondence.
Able to effectively communicate information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and employees.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding in order to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  
Ability to deal with problems/issues involving several concrete variable in standardized situations.
Experienced working around heavy construction equipment.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Able to multiple task simultaneously
Able to communicate to crew members in a professional and effective manner.
Able to provide effective feedback to team members.
Team Oriented
Safety Oriented
Customer Oriented
Must be 18 years of age
Must be able to pass a pre-employment and random drug screen
Must be willing to travel and work overtime, if needed

Physical Demands:


Extensive physical activity performing strenuous daily activities of a primarily productive/technical nature.  Includes standing and sitting for extended periods of time, stooping, bending and crouching.
Able to walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
Capable of lifting up to 75 pounds.
Visual accuracy under varying degrees of light, darkness, and weather conditions in order to provide safe directions for operators of heavy equipment and other employees.
Able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment, and in and out of excavations and up to 20 feet in height
Able to work overtime and weekends, if necessary
Able to travel when required. 
Requires working from heights up to 60 feet
Environmental Working Conditions
Outdoors exposed to changing weather conditions (i.e., rain, sun, snow, wind, etc.)  
Noise level in the work environment is loud.
Exposure to dust, grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, concrete, and other environmental factors of a construction job site.
Work is performed near heavy equipment and moving machinery.

NOTE:  This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of an employee.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee.  An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities