Crane Operator - Bridge & Heavy Civil Construction

CMES, Inc.•Norcross, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

C&S Contracting Co. LLC and CMES, Inc. are seeking an experienced, dependable, and safety-focused Crane Operator for bridge and heavy civil infrastructure projects. The role is responsible for safely and efficiently operating cranes, primarily lattice-boom crawler cranes, to lift, position, and set heavy structural components on bridge, retaining wall, and other heavy civil projects. The operator performs precision lifts of bridge girders, precast and prestressed concrete beams, structural steel, and other components, coordinating with riggers, signal persons, bridge crews, and field supervision. The position also supports pile-driving, foundation construction, structural concrete placement, and concrete pours; participates in crane assembly, disassembly, and configuration changes; and performs crane inspections and maintenance. The operator must interpret load charts and lift plans, assess equipment setup and site hazards, and follow approved lifting procedures, manufacturer requirements, company safety procedures, and applicable OSHA regulations. Work takes place outdoors at active heavy civil, bridge, and infrastructure construction sites throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding Georgia locations. Sites may include active roadways, elevated structures, uneven terrain, deep excavations, suspended loads, and moving construction equipment, with varying weather conditions. The role has no direct supervisory responsibilities but requires close coordination with construction personnel.

Requirements

At least 5 years of crane operating experience, including substantial hands-on experience operating lattice-boom crawler cranes.
Proven experience setting bridge girders, including precast or prestressed concrete beams and structural steel components on bridge construction projects.
Demonstrated experience performing precision structural lifts on heavy civil, bridge, and infrastructure projects.
Hands-on experience supporting pile-driving operations, crane assembly and disassembly, crane maintenance, and concrete pours.
Valid NCCCO (CCO) or equivalent accredited crane operator certification appropriate for the assigned equipment.
Lattice Boom Crawler Crane (LBC) certification.
Telescopic Boom Crane – Swing Cab (TLL) certification.
Ability to read and interpret crane load charts, lift plans, structural drawings, and construction specifications.
Strong knowledge of crane setup, load calculations, rigging procedures, boom configurations, and safe lifting techniques.
Working knowledge of applicable OSHA crane safety requirements, including 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC.
Ability to coordinate effectively with riggers, signal persons, foremen, superintendents, and construction crews.
Strong mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and attention to detail.
Ability to safely access, enter, and exit crane operator cabs; sit for extended periods while operating controls; and climb ladders and access elevated equipment platforms.
Ability to maintain the concentration, coordination, and visual awareness necessary for safe crane operations and navigate uneven construction terrain.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and perform equipment inspections.
Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds when required, using appropriate assistance or mechanical aids.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

7–10+ years of crane operating experience on heavy civil, bridge, and structural construction projects.
Extensive experience setting bridge girders, including precast/prestressed concrete and structural steel beams.
Experience with bridge girder erection, bridge widening, bridge rehabilitation, and bridge replacement projects.
Experience supporting pile-driving operations, foundation construction, and drilled shaft installation.
Experience operating cranes during structural concrete pours.
Experience with crane assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Experience setting precast retaining wall panels and other structural concrete components.
Experience on GDOT or other DOT bridge and transportation infrastructure projects.
Experience operating Manitowoc, Liebherr, Link-Belt, Kobelco, or similar cranes.
Experience with critical lifts, complex lift plans, and tandem crane operations.
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
CDL Class A or B, if applicable to assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Safely operate lattice-boom cranes and other crane equipment for which properly certified and qualified.
Perform precision lifting, positioning, and setting of bridge girders, precast and prestressed concrete beams, structural steel beams, and other heavy structural components.
Set bridge components onto designated bearings, supports, and structural connections according to approved plans and lift procedures.
Lift and position precast retaining wall panels, concrete forms, reinforcing steel assemblies, pier caps, columns, and bridge deck components.
Support pile-driving, foundation construction, drilled shaft installation, and structural concrete placement operations.
Operate cranes during concrete pours, including lifting and positioning concrete buckets and associated equipment.
Interpret crane load charts, boom configurations, operating radii, load weights, and lifting capacities.
Coordinate lifting activities with riggers, signal persons, bridge crews, foremen, superintendents, and other construction personnel.
Execute approved lift plans, including critical lifts and tandem crane operations when applicable.
Evaluate crane positioning, ground conditions, equipment stability, and surrounding hazards before lifting.
Participate in crane assembly, disassembly, configuration changes, and equipment mobilization in accordance with manufacturer requirements and applicable safety regulations.
Perform daily pre-operation inspections and maintain accurate inspection records.
Conduct routine crane maintenance, including checking fluid levels, lubrication, wire ropes, hooks, tracks, and other operating components.
Identify and promptly report mechanical deficiencies, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe conditions.
Verify load weights, crane capacities, rigging configurations, ground conditions, and lifting requirements before lifts.
Follow applicable OSHA crane regulations, manufacturer operating guidelines, and company safety procedures.
Recognize and address hazards involving suspended loads, overhead power lines, unstable ground, restricted work areas, and adverse weather.
Participate in lift planning, job hazard assessments, toolbox talks, and safety meetings.
Maintain equipment cleanliness, operational readiness, and proper documentation.
Coordinate with bridge, structural concrete, grading, excavation, and foundation crews to support safe and efficient project operations.