JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Crane Operator
Division:
The Townsend Company, LLC
Function:
Reports To:
Manager
Discipline:
Pay Type:
Hourly
Career Band:
Job Type:
Non-Exempt
EEO Group:
Effective:
4/21/2026
Position Summary
The Crane Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining swing cab telescoping boom cranes and related lifting equipment required for assigned jobs. This position holds a current NCCCO Swing Cab Telescoping Boom Crane certification (or equivalent) and is responsible for ensuring that all applicable OSHA, ASME B30.5, and company safety standards are followed at all times and that any safety concerns are reported immediately. The Crane Operator will ensure that the work area is safe and everyone around the work area is not at risk. This position will report to the General Foreperson and Manager for the site. Will also be responsible for ensuring that proper safety guidelines are followed at all times and report any safety concerns immediately. The Equipment Operator will ensure that the work areas are safe and everyone around the work area is not at risk. This position will report to the General Foreperson and Operations Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Performs pre-shift and post-shift crane inspections per ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1412; reports necessary repairs to the crane, carrier, and all associated lifting/rigging equipment
- Coordinates work for crew members
- Works with climber and groundman to rig and de-rig loads; sets up and travel-configures the crane on job sites including outrigger deployment on stable, prepared surfaces; secures all equipment for transport on carrier
- Performs routine preventive maintenance on the crane to keep it in clean, safe, and manufacturer-specified mechanical condition
- Reads and interprets load charts, boom angle indicators, and radius measurements to determine safe working loads prior to each lift
- Participates in daily job briefings and safety meetings
- Operates swing cab telescoping boom cranes to lift, position, and place loads as directed by the lift plan and signal person
- Operates and services crane components including hydraulic systems, outriggers, load lines, boom sections, anti-two-block devices, load moment indicators, and all associated rigging equipment
- Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around work areas
- Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, and markers to protect employees and public
- Obtains consent from property owners to conduct work
- Trains new personnel
- Maintains a current NCCCO Swing Cab Telescoping Boom Crane certification (or equivalent recognized certification) at all times during employment
- Communicates clearly with signal persons, riggers, and ground crew using standard hand signals and/or radio; maintains awareness of all personnel in the swing radius at all times
- Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices
- Operates crane in proximity to energized power lines in accordance with OSHA Table A clearance requirements; ensures all personnel are briefed on electrical hazard controls prior to lifts near energized equipment
- Conducts pre-lift planning meetings and reviews written lift plans for all critical and standard lifts; verifies load weights, rigging configurations, and site conditions prior to each operation; accountable for the safety and quality of all lift operations
- Configures boom sections, jib attachments, and counterweight arrangements; makes adjustments to load line reeving and block configurations; verifies rigging and load information against load chart limits and troubleshoots crane system problems
- Operates crane controls manually and through computerized crane management systems, rated capacity indicators (RCIs), and anti-two-block systems
Secondary Functions
- Provides recommendations for maintaining and improving environmental performance
- Transports crane and carrier on public roadways and maintains proper awareness of surroundings
- Duties and responsibilities may change with or without notice
- Duties and responsibilities can be assigned as necessary
Skills and Competencies
- Must be able to wear and utilize PPE
- Must possess a current, valid NCCCO Swing Cab Telescoping Boom Crane certification or equivalent recognized certification (e.g., NCCER Crane Operator, OSSA, or state-recognized equivalent); must be able to operate a swing cab telescoping boom crane and/or safely drive a carrier vehicle
- Must be able to operate all crane controls, load moment indicators, anti-two-block devices, and rigging hardware required on job site
- Must be able to traverse uneven terrain
- Must be able to enter and exit equipment/vehicles numerous times a day
- Must be able to withstand exposure to elements throughout the year (heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions)
- Must have good vision and be attentive
- Must be able to verbally communicate with other crew members and fully understand instructions and information
- Must have transportation to and from the startup location
- Must have a valid Driver’s License (CDL preferred for carrier/transport operations)
- Must be able to meet all physical requirements of the position
- Pass all drug and alcohol screens as required by Company policy and, if applicable, required by DOT regulations
- Be at least 18 years of age, or 21 if CDL is required
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred
- Minimum of two (2) years of crane operator experience operating swing cab telescoping boom cranes
- NCCCO Swing Cab Telescoping Boom Crane Certification (or equivalent: NCCER Crane Operator, OSSA, or state-recognized equivalent)
- Familiarity with ASME B30.5, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, and applicable state crane regulations
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for carrier/transport operations
This role is based in an office environment with occasional remote work flexibility. The position may require
limited travel.
This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. The Townsend Company and its family of companies reserve the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or schedules as needed to meet business or operational requirements. Accommodation requests will be made as necessary to support individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, this position is subject to pre-employment screening, which may include drug testing and a background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Townsend Company and its family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.