Crane Operator

Job Title: Crane Operator

Job Description

The Yard Worker operates overhead cranes, forklifts, and other heavy equipment to safely move, load, and unload structural steel and fabricated metal components in a large industrial fabrication yard. This role requires extensive hands-on work outdoors, constant movement, and close collaboration with the production and shipping teams to ensure materials flow efficiently through the facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes (including 20-ton units) and forklifts to move steel and other raw materials throughout the yard and shop.
• Handle a wide range of materials, from small fabricated metal parts to large structural steel beams and columns.
• Load and unload materials from incoming and outgoing trucks, ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate handling.
• Drive and maneuver trucks and equipment within the yard to stage and position materials as needed.
• Use proper rigging techniques to safely lift and move heavy loads in accordance with safety protocols.
• Follow established loading practices to prevent damage to materials and equipment.
• Utilize an ERP system to record material movements, verify orders, and support inventory control.
• Inspect and operate equipment daily, reporting any malfunctions or maintenance needs promptly.
• Work on your feet outdoors for the full shift, including climbing ladders onto truck beds and walking significant distances throughout the yard.
• Collaborate closely with team members to meet production, shipping, and project deadlines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with company safety standards.
• Demonstrate strong attention to safety and follow all shop, yard, and equipment safety procedures at all times.
• On the first day, operate a 20-ton overhead crane safely and efficiently with minimal training, applying prior experience and sound judgment.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience operating overhead cranes as a primary job function, working with 5-ton or higher capacity equipment.
• Previous experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes in an industrial or fabrication environment.
• Hands-on experience working with raw materials such as steel or similar industrial products.
• Ability to work on your feet outdoors for the entire shift, including in varying weather conditions.
• Comfort with constant movement, including climbing ladders onto truck beds and walking up to or more than 5 miles during a shift.
• Strong understanding of and adherence to safety protocols in an industrial setting.
• Computer comprehension and ability to work within an ERP system.
• Ability to lift and handle heavy objects safely as part of daily duties.
• Excellent communication skills and a team-oriented, collaborative mindset.
• Customer service mindset when interacting with drivers, internal teams, and other stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating 20–40-ton overhead cranes in a steel fabrication or similar heavy industrial environment.
• Previous work in a structural steel, bridge fabrication, or complex steel fabrication shop.
• Experience in warehousing, loading, unloading, and yard work in an industrial setting.
• Experience with rigging and safe lifting practices for heavy and oversized loads.
• Familiarity with sit-down forklifts and other heavy equipment such as loaders.
• Stable work history with roles of at least 6–12 months in similar positions, demonstrating commitment and reliability.
• Strong attention to detail when handling materials, verifying loads, and updating systems.

Why Work Here?

You will join a long-established steel fabrication organization with a strong reputation for delivering complex, high-profile projects such as bridges, hospitals, stadiums, commercial developments, and industrial facilities. The team includes experienced project management, structural steel, and bridge fabrication specialists who take pride in their craftsmanship and professionalism. The company supports long-term careers through union membership, which offers access to higher wages, pension plans, comprehensive family health coverage, and strong representation for workers’ rights and workplace respect. Employees receive practical support for their work, including brand-new personal protective equipment and stipends for steel-toe boots and prescription safety lenses, reflecting a strong commitment to safety and employee well-being.

Work Environment

The role is based in a 180,000 square foot single-site steel fabrication facility, one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The operation is certified to work on high-rise buildings, bridges, marine structures, and other structural steel projects, and holds an AISC Sophisticated Paint, Indoor endorsement (QP3), with extensive experience applying surface treatments and coatings. You will work primarily in the yard and shop areas, operating overhead cranes, forklifts, and other heavy equipment around large structural steel components. The position is physically demanding and requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, standing and walking for most of the shift, and climbing ladders onto truck beds. The standard schedule is a day shift, Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (4x10s), with occasional overtime on Fridays and Saturdays based on workload. The environment emphasizes safety, proper use of PPE, and teamwork, with all necessary gear such as gloves, hood, and hard hat provided, along with support for steel-toe boots and prescription lenses if needed.Crane Operater

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tigard, OR.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Tigard,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 20, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.