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Union Crane Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equip Ops Light - Forklift

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Equip Ops Light - Forklift

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

May operate all or some of the following types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Equip Ops Light - Forklift

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Equip Ops Light - Forklift

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Rigging SME

Mineral, VA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Provide field support and coaching to supervisors, foremen, riggers, and crane operators ... Meet with unionized supervisors and employees or various disciplines. * Interface with Senior and ...

Packaging Tech

Narrows, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Secures lifting attachments to materials and conveys load to destination, using hand-operated crane ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

CDL Boom Driver

Sandston, VA · On-site

$26.79 - $33.53/hr

NCCCO & Crane Institute Certification required * Must be 21 years of age or older * Valid Class A ... Experience operating heavy equipment and driving a manual transmission truck * Willingness to work ...

Carpenter

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Provide rigging and crane signaling for concrete construction materials. * Climb scaffolding ...

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Provide rigging and crane signaling for concrete construction materials. * Climb scaffolding ...

Carpenter

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Provide rigging and crane signaling for concrete construction materials. * Climb scaffolding ...

Showing results 41-56

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.

Equipment Operator-Overhead (Dominion)

Pike Corporation

Manassas, VA • On-site

$19.16 - $26.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description


Overview: The Equipment Operator position utilizes heavy equipment operation knowledge in the construction and maintenance of our nation's Power Grid. You will assist your team in building, repairing, and maintaining overhead electrical distribution systems.
The compensation range for this position is between $19.16 - $26.43 per hour.
Job Duties
As an Equipment Operator, you will support your team by:
  • Securing the safety of yourself and others
  • Assisting fellow line-workers in meeting project objectives
  • Readily joining storm restoration efforts in times of need
  • Operating vehicles and equipment in a professional manner
  • Continuing training to improve technical and leadership skills

Competencies:
  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy

Physical Aspects:
The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in powerline construction.
While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team-member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms.
The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.); or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Powerline construction work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions.
General Expectations:
  • Able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License permit within 60 days of employment
  • Able to operate heavy equipment used in powerline construction
  • Able to read/write and communicate effectively
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required
  • Able to lift in-excess of 50 lbs.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested
  • Willing to work outside of the normal work schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for the position.

Functions to be Expected in Overhead Powerline Construction:
  • Works safely while performing new construction, maintenance, or repair work of energized and de-energized overhead work
  • Properly inspects rubber goods and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Understands when to wear personal protective equipment
  • Strings overhead wire
  • Sets poles and anchors
  • Assists with installing transformers, lightening arrestors, cutouts, cross-arms, insulators, switches and switchgear
  • Assists in replacing fuses in transformers and clears faulted circuits and systems
  • Frequently works with energized high voltage systems requiring skill and care to protect the lives of themselves and others
  • Maintains company vehicles, equipment and tools in good working order
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor
  • Understands proper use of company radio
  • Understand basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools
  • Capable of receiving and following directions
  • Possess a basic knowledge of materials used in line work
  • Able to identify primary and secondary voltage on a circuit
  • Must be familiar with induced voltage
  • Capable of assisting with the installation and hook up of a single-phase transformer
  • Capable of performing basic bucket rescue/escape
  • Understands the basic concepts of equipment set up and grounding
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces
  • Understands minimum approach distance
  • Understands excavation and shoring requirements
  • Capable of checking voltage on transformers
  • Capable of installing and removing a service
  • Must be able to climb different types of structures (wood, steel, etc.) and possess the necessary tools to do so
  • Understands how and when to use Kellum grips
  • Able to identify different types of materials used in line work
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled
VA Approved Apprenticeship Program - GI Bill Benefits Available to Eligible Veterans
Pike Electric, LLC is a Non-union Company
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team-members may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
About Us
About Us
Founded in 1945, Pike is a leading provider of construction, repair and engineering services for electric and gas utilities, as well as telecommunications companies with a growing portfolio of turnkey renewable projects. We work with hundreds of utility clients across the country, and we continuously expand our offerings to supply our customers with the ideas, technology, experience, manpower and equipment to perform any job.
"Essential" is the one word that sums up who we are, the work we do and what our people mean to us. Each of our employees plays a critical role in ensuring that infrastructure systems are up and running when people and businesses need them.
Pike is a family-oriented workplace with a strong culture of safety, collaboration, innovation and exceptional customer service.
About the Team
Electric
We work with utilities across the country to solve our nation's energy infrastructure challenges, from designing new transmission and distribution systems, upgrading and managing installation of the latest smart meter technologies, and integrating renewable energy sources onto the grid.