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Union Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Brown and Root

Boilermaker Journeyman

Duncombe, IA

... signals crane operator to lift components to specified position. - Aligns structures or plates ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Brown & Root

Boilermaker Journeyman

IA · On-site

... signals crane operator to lift components to specified position. - Aligns structures or plates ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Brown & Root

Boilermaker Journeyman

Duncombe, IA

... signals crane operator to lift components to specified position. - Aligns structures or plates ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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All JobsUnion Crane Operator JobsUnion Crane Operator Jobs in Iowa

Union Crane Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do union crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 is a union crane operator?

A Union Crane Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, and position materials on construction sites, in manufacturing facilities, or at other industrial locations. They are members of a labor union, which provides job security, benefits, and negotiated wages. Operators must undergo specialized training, obtain certifications, and adhere to safety regulations to ensure efficient and secure operations. Union membership often grants access to apprenticeships and ongoing education to advance skills and career opportunities.

What does a union crane operator do?

A typical day for a Union Crane Operator involves arriving on site early to inspect and prepare their crane, reviewing lift plans, and coordinating with site supervisors, riggers, and ground crew. Throughout the day, operators handle the movement of heavy materials, equipment, or structural components, following strict safety protocols and maintaining constant communication with the team. Union Crane Operators often work in a team-based environment and must be prepared to adapt to shifting priorities or changing site conditions. Most shifts are full-time and may require overtime or weekend hours depending on project timelines and weather. This dynamic role offers hands-on experience, continual learning, and opportunities for advancement within the construction or heavy equipment operation fields.

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

To thrive as a Union Crane Operator, you need excellent spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a thorough understanding of safety regulations, typically backed by completion of an apprenticeship and possession of NCCCO or similar crane operator certifications. Operators must be skilled in using various types of cranes, understanding load charts, and utilizing communication systems like radios or hand signals. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiently handling complex lifts, and ensuring smooth coordination on busy job sites.

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 Union Crane Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Union Crane Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Crane Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Crane Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Union Crane Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Union Crane Operator job openings:

Union Crane Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union 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.

Boilermaker Journeyman

Brown and Root

Duncombe, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Brown & Root rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

371st of 451 rated engineering

Job description

SUMMARY Journeyman - Typically 3 years and above documented field experience in chosen craft discipline with ability to read and interpret instructions and document, plan and perform work activities independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Locates and marks reference points for columns or plates on foundation, sing master straight edge, squares, transit and measuring tape and applying knowledge of geometry.
- Attaches rigging or signals crane operator to lift components to specified position.
- Aligns structures or plates sections to assemble boiler frame, tanks or vats sing plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs or turnbuckles.
- Hammers, flame-cuts, files grinds irregular edges of sections or structural parts to facilitate fitting edges together.
- Bolts or arc-welds structures and sections together.
- Positions drums and headers into supports or bolts or welds supports to frame.
- Aligns water tubes, connects and expands ends to drums and headers using tube expander.
- Bolts or welds casing sections, uptakes, stacks, baffles and such fabricated parts as chutes, air heaters, fan stands, feeding tube, cat walks, ladders, coal hoppers and safety hatch to frame using wrenches
- Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities with tools and equipment.
- Installs manholes, handholds, valves, gauges and feed water connection in drums to complete assembly of water tube boilers.
- Signals crane operator in lifting parts to specific positions.
- Assists in testing assembled vessels by pumping water or gas under specified pressure into vessels and observing instruments for evidence of leakage.
- Repairs boilers or tanks in field by unbolting or flame cutting defective sections or tubes, straightening plates using torch or jacks, installing new tubes, fitting and welding new sections and replacing worn lugs on bolts.
- May fasten and caulk sections of vessels, using pneumatic fasteners and caulking hammers.
- May line firebox with refractory brick and blocks.
- May fabricate parts such as, stacks, uptakes, and chutes to adapt boiler to premises in which it is installed.
- Flame cutting and knowledge of torch use.
- Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. Performs other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
- Apply shop mathematics to solve problems.
- Plan work and select proper tools.
- Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.
- Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.
- Make decisions based on measurable criteria.
- Work at heights without fear.

QUALIFICATIONS
May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with previous years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Strength:
a. Standing 60% Walking 20% Sitting 20%
b. Lifting 50 lb.
Carrying 50 lb.
Pushing 70 ft-lb.
Pulling 70 ft-lb.

2. Climbing F
Balancing F

3. Stooping O
Kneeling O
Crouching O
Crawling O
Reaching C
Handling C
Fingering F

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
NP Not Present
O Occasionally (0-33%)F Frequently (34-66%)C Constantly (67-100%)

Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. BENEFITS: Brown and Root offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, and flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

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About Brown & Root

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Brown & Root is a prominent player in the industrial service industry, with their headquarters nestled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US. With a substantial history dating back to 1919, the company has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to their customers, primarily in engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, and other related industrial services. Brown & Root’s core mission is echoed in their commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, integrity, and delivering high-quality services. They also take pride in their culture of continuous improvement which has yielded significant achievements such as earning a spot in the Engineering News-Record's top 400 contractors list.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1919

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