Over Head Crane Operator

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Crane Operator to safely operate overhead and/or mobile cranes in our steel manufacturing or fabrication facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of lifting procedures, material handling, and safety practices specific to heavy steel products such as beams, coils, plates, and fabricated assemblies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate overhead bridge cranes, gantry cranes, or mobile cranes to move steel materials, parts, and equipment.
• Load and unload steel products from trucks, railcars, or production equipment.
• Ensure proper rigging techniques are used with slings, chains, and other lifting devices.
• Coordinate with ground personnel, using hand signals or radios to ensure safe material movement.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections of crane equipment to ensure safety and compliance.
• Monitor crane operations to ensure load stability and balance at all times.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring pathways are clear for crane operations.
• Report mechanical issues, wear, or damage to supervisors or maintenance team promptly.
• Follow company safety policies and OSHA regulations related to crane operation and heavy lifting.
• Support general material handling tasks when not operating the crane.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a crane operator in a steel mill, fabrication shop, or industrial setting.
• Ability to operate different types of cranes (overhead, gantry, mobile).
• Familiarity with rigging and lifting best practices.
• Certification or licensing as required by OSHA or local regulations (e.g., NCCCO preferred).
• Strong communication and hand signal skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a physically demanding environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours or shifts, including nights and weekends if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling long, heavy, or irregular steel loads.
• Forklift operation or additional equipment certifications.
• Basic understanding of steel product types and sizes (beams, plate, coils, etc.).

Safety Focus

This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe, efficient workflow. Candidates must demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to operational safety in every lift.

Smart Resources is a strategic staffing agency that provides tailored workforce solutions across industries like manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades, and corporate recruiting. With a focus on long-term partnerships, they offer vetted talent, on-site support, and customized hiring strategies to help businesses reduce costs, improve productivity, and build reliable teams.