ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Granite

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

General Summary Operates crane to lift and move building materials from ground areas to trucks to ... contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Bettendorf, IA

$18 - $19/hr

Learn to operate an overhead crane and forklift to move large pipes and materials safely within the ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA. Pay and ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Bettendorf, IA

$18 - $19/hr

Learn to safely operate a forklift and overhead crane (training provided) * Assist with machine ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA. Pay and ...

CB&I

HSES at CB& Clive, Iowa

Clive, IA · On-site

... operating region or country. This position is a People Leadership role, managing technical and ... Review of contract specification and client procedures in support of bids * Completion of pre-bid ...

New

CB&I

Manager HSES

Clive, IA · On-site

... operating region or country. This position is a People Leadership role, managing technical and ... Review of contract specification and client procedures in support of bids * Completion of pre-bid ...

CB&I

HSES at CB& Urbandale, Iowa

Urbandale, IA · On-site

... operating region or country. This position is a People Leadership role, managing technical and ... Review of contract specification and client procedures in support of bids * Completion of pre-bid ...

New

Aerotek

Material Handler

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Willingness to learn overhead crane operation and additional material handling equipment ... Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this ...

PepsiCo

Facilities Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Specify, bid, select, and purchase all equipment and contract installation services for assigned ... Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems ...

PepsiCo

Facilities Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Specify, bid, select, and purchase all equipment and contract installation services for assigned ... Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems ...

PepsiCo

Facilities Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Specify, bid, select, and purchase all equipment and contract installation services for assigned ... Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems ...

Epiroc Drilling Solutions, LLC

Assembler

Delhi, IA

$14.50 - $18/hr

... for operating and maintaining assembly equipment in a safe and efficient manner to achieve the ... gun, overhead crane, pallet jack, etc.). * Perform hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical ...

Epiroc

Assembler

Delhi, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

... for operating and maintaining assembly equipment in a safe and efficient manner to achieve the ... gun, overhead crane, pallet jack, etc.). * Perform hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical ...

All JobsContract Crane Operator JobsContract Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa

Contract Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do contract crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract crane operator in Iowa is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $31.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract crane operators on the job?

Contract Crane Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to different job sites with varying terrain and weather conditions, as well as adjusting to diverse equipment and safety protocols. They must also carefully coordinate with ground crews, project managers, and other trades to ensure each lift goes smoothly and safely. Time management and rapid problem-solving are frequently required, especially when unexpected site issues arise. Successfully overcoming these challenges helps operators maintain high safety standards and project timelines, making them valuable contributors to any construction or industrial team.

What is a contract crane operator?

A Contract Crane Operator is a skilled professional who operates cranes on a contractual basis for various construction, industrial, or logistical projects. They are responsible for safely lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials using different types of cranes. Unlike full-time employees, contract crane operators typically work on a project-by-project basis, often for multiple employers. They must have proper certifications, experience, and knowledge of safety protocols to ensure efficient and secure operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract crane operator?

Contract Crane Operators require in-depth knowledge of crane operations, load calculations, and site safety, typically gained through experience and relevant certifications such as NCCCO or equivalent. Mastery of various crane types, rigging equipment, and safety management systems is often necessary. Reliability, strong communication, and situational awareness are essential soft skills for collaborating with site teams and maintaining safety. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient heavy lifting, minimize workplace accidents, and support seamless project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Crane Operator jobs in Iowa? For Contract Crane Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Crane Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Crane Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Crane Operator job openings:
Contract Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Crane Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,806 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Granite

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Granite Telecommunications rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 97 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...

Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.

General Summary

Operates crane to lift and move building materials from ground areas to trucks to top of other structures

Essential Job Accountabilities

  • Assist with lift plan.

  • Have proper certifications to operate specific crane equipment.

  • Pushes or pulls levers on control console to rotate counter-balanced horizontally-mounted boom to extend or retract trolley along boom, and to raise and lower hook to which loads are attached.

  • Controls crane movement in response to hand signals or radio commands by supervisor or signaler.

Education

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent years of experience

Certification

  • NCCCO Telescopic Boom - Swing Cab

  • NCCCO Lattice Boom Crawler

Work Experience

  • Appropriate training and experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Workers should be able to:

  • Practice good safety habits

  • Work in dusty or dirty surroundings, including rough terrain

  • Follow instructions and meet set standards

  • Judge distances and slopes accurately

  • Make decisions based on verifiable standards.

  • Travel Required

Physically, workers must be able to:

  • Stoop, bend, and crouch

  • Use hands, arms, and legs fully

  • See well (either naturally or with correction)

  • Lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

About Granite Construction Incorporated

Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For additional information on applicant/employee rights please clickhere.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place.Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

What Granite Telecommunications employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply