Entry Level Crane Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1954, Sterling Crane has been one of North America's premier leaders in the heavy lift industry offering operated and bare rentals, sales, parts, and unparalleled service to all our customers. We boast one of the largest inventories of modern lifting equipment in North America, in excess of 1000 units. We're winning a better way. At Sterling Crane USA, you truly get the best of both worlds -- the dynamic opportunities that come with being part of a growing, U.S.-based company, combined with the strength, stability, and long-term vision of being part of Marmon and Berkshire Hathaway.

Position Summary

The Apprentice Crane Operator is an entry-level position designed to provide hands-on training and experience in crane operations. The Apprentice will work alongside experienced crane operators and field personnel while learning the skills, safety requirements, and operating procedures necessary to progress toward becoming a qualified crane operator.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, willingness to learn, dependable attendance, and the ability to work as part of a team in a variety of field conditions.

All participants will participate in a structured interview and are not guaranteed to the program. Program acceptance is based on individual selection based on your application and interview.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work under the direct supervision of qualified crane operators and field leadership.
• Assist with crane setup, tear-down, mobilization, and demobilization.
• Learn and follow proper crane operating procedures and manufacturer requirements.
• Assist with inspections and routine maintenance of cranes and related equipment.
• Learn proper rigging practices, hand signals, communication procedures, and load control.
• Assist riggers and other crew members with daily job-site activities.
• Participate in pre-job meetings, toolbox talks, and safety training.
• Learn to read and understand load charts, lift plans, operating manuals, and other job documentation.
• Learn proper crane positioning, setup, leveling, and outrigger placement.
• Maintain awareness of power lines, underground hazards, changing site conditions, and other potential hazards.
• Follow all company, customer, OSHA, and applicable regulatory safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
• Complete required training and demonstrate progress through the apprenticeship program.
• Work toward obtaining required crane operator certifications and qualifications.
• Communicate effectively with operators, riggers, supervisors, customers, and other job-site personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Training and Development Expectations

During the apprenticeship, the employee is expected to progressively develop the knowledge and skills required to operate cranes safely and effectively.

Training may include:

• Crane fundamentals and terminology
• Crane setup and breakdown
• Load charts and capacity calculations
• Rigging fundamentals
• Lift planning
• Hand signals and radio communication
• Crane inspections
• Equipment maintenance
• Safe operating practices
• OSHA and company safety requirements
• Equipment-specific training
• NCCCO or other applicable crane operator certification preparation
• On-the-job training with qualified operators

Progress will be evaluated throughout the apprenticeship based on demonstrated skills, safety performance, training completion, attendance, and overall job performance.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass required pre-employment screening.
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment and construction environments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work extended hours, overtime, weekends, and travel when required by the job.

Preferred

• Previous construction, heavy equipment, rigging, mechanic, or crane experience.
• CDL or ability and willingness to obtain a CDL.
• Previous NCCCO training or related certifications.
• Experience working around cranes or other heavy equipment.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, and work around heavy equipment.
• Climb ladders and access equipment safely.
• Lift and carry materials and tools as required.
• Work at heights when required.
• Work in outdoor environments, including heat, cold, wind, and other weather conditions.
• Maintain focus and situational awareness for extended periods.
• Perform work while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is a primary responsibility of this position. The Apprentice Crane Operator is expected to:

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Use required PPE at all times.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, or equipment concerns.
• Never operate equipment without proper authorization and training.
• Stop work and ask questions when unsure of a safe operating procedure.
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate hazards to the crew.
• Participate actively in the Company's safety culture.

Career Progression

The Apprentice Crane Operator position is intended to provide a structured pathway toward becoming a qualified Crane Operator. Advancement will be based on successful completion of required training, demonstrated competency, safety performance, certifications, experience, and available opportunities within the Company.

Typical progression:

Apprentice Crane Operator → Qualified Crane Operator → Senior/Lead Crane Operator

Advancement is not automatic and will be based on the employee meeting the Company's established qualifications and performance expectations.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401K with Company match
• Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
• Annual reimbursement for safety shoe and prescription safety eyewear
• Holiday Pay
• Vacation Pay

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.