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Union Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

Crane Operator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

Crane Operator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Crane Operator

Carrollton, VA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

Crane Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Crane Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

Crane Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

$29 - $35/hr

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate ... Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your ...

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Showing results 21-40

Union Crane Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$27

$39

How much do union crane operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for union crane operator in Virginia is $27.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $32.88 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Crane Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Crane Operator jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Union Crane Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,850 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Crane Operator

BAE Systems

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$29 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description
BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk is seeking to hire a Crane Operator. The selected candidate must be able to perform the following duties:
  • Set up cranes for traveling conduct daily PM's, read and understand load chart.
  • Plan and assist with critical lifts.
  • Set up crane for heavy lift, Plan, specify and position rigging equipment for accomplishing work in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Spot pad eyes in engine room for removing equipment Read and interpret job specifications.
  • Work with minimum supervision.
  • May be assigned miscellaneous tasks outside craft as required.
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $29.00 to $35.00 per hour (or $60,320 to $72,800 annually). Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as shift differentials or the terms outlined in an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which will ultimately determine your wages.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life including health and financial well-being. Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your benefits may differ from those described here. Generally, employees are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, which may include military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Experience:
  • Minimum 3-5 years' experience.
Required Skills:
  • Must be able to operate cranes with friction controls.
  • Must be able to operate Hydraulic and Electrical cranes.
  • Must be able to operate cranes up to 140' off the ground.
  • Must be able to pass NACB third party certification course.
  • Must be able to work any shift and overtime as required.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must demonstrate Knowledge of and use of hand signals for cranes.
  • Must have a familiarity with American gantry 90 & 150 ton, American 8460 and 5660.
  • Must exhibit the ability to identify all cab controls (upper and lower), instruments, including warning devices. Set up crane for traveling conduct daily PM's, read and understand load chart, hand signals. Position crane over cribbing, using outriggers and leveling to make a pick. The use of personnel Baskets and required safety precautions.
  • Must comply with Company safety rules and OSHA standards.
  • Must be physically and medically qualified to wear required personal protective equipment as prescribed under OSHA standards.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Skills:
  • Hydraulic Truck Crane or Rough Terrain Crane experience a plus Experience, with Shipyard type Portal Cranes a plus NCCCO Certification for Mobile cranes a plus.

Pay Information
This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which will determine your wages.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life including health and financial well-being. Benefits for Union employees are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), so your benefits may differ from those described here. Generally, employees are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, which may include military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems is a premier global defense and security company with approximately 90,000 employees delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support and services. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, this Platform and Services Group of BAE Systems employs nearly 11,000 professionals at more than 30 locations worldwide. Platform and Services is a global leader in the design, development, production, and service support of armored combat vehicles, major and minor caliber naval guns and missile launchers, canisters, artillery systems, and intelligent munitions. People are the greatest asset in any Company. Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression

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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US