Crane Operator

Operate with Precision. Build What Moves the Nation - Join Capital Railroad Services as a Crane Operator

Job Title: Crane Operator

Company Name: Capital Railroad Services

Pay Range: $32.90 - $37.85 per hour (based on experience and certifications)

Additional Compensation: Travel-based position with company-provided transportation, PPE, tools, and equipment

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Commercial Railroad / Heavy Civil Construction

Job Overview

Capital Railroad Services (CRS) is seeking two skilled and safety-focused Crane Operators to support railroad bridge construction and repair projects throughout the United States and Canada. This role is ideal for experienced operators who thrive in a travel-based, outdoor heavy civil environment and are committed to precision, safety, and teamwork.

As a Crane Operator with CRS, you will operate hydraulic cranes in accordance with load charts and manufacturer specifications while assisting crews with bridge construction, structural repairs, and general labor duties. This is a 100% travel role with a unique rotational schedule designed to provide extended time off between work cycles. Advancement opportunities are based on knowledge, performance, and initiative-not tenure alone.

Who We Are

For more than 70 years, Capital Railroad Services has been a trusted partner to the railroad industry, recognized for our strong safety culture, technical expertise, and commitment to long-term career development. We operate nationwide, delivering complex bridge construction and repair solutions with precision and professionalism.

At CRS, leadership is built in the field and supported across departments. We invest in our people with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for advancement within a stable and respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

Operate hydraulic cranes safely and efficiently in accordance with load charts and manufacturer specifications

Read and interpret crane operator manuals and load charts to ensure lifts are performed within rated capacity

Use proper rigging techniques and hand signals when performing lifts

Complete and document daily, weekly, and monthly crane inspections

Complete daily DOT logs, crane inspections, truck inspections, and required weekly reports

Operate rail gear (hi-rail equipment) properly and safely

Perform scheduled maintenance on crane, truck, and hi-rail equipment

Maintain truck cleanliness and organization (interior and exterior)

Maintain Level II Track Worker Safety qualification

Communicate effectively with Boom Truck Trainer, Foreman, and Fleet Manager

Assist with general bridge construction and repair duties including:

Removing steel rivets and structural steel components

Tightening structural bolts

Hanging scaffolding and painting steel

Replacing bridge timbers

Driving spikes and drift pins

Drilling timber and structural components

Working at heights and on uneven terrain

Operate power tools and equipment including jackhammers, rock drills, pneumatic chippers, drills, impact wrenches, hydraulic tools, magnetic drills, torches, and chainsaws

Support concrete repair work using pneumatic and hydraulic tools

Uphold all company safety policies and industry regulations Qualifications

Required:

High School Diploma or GED

Experience operating hydraulic cranes

Ability to read and interpret load charts

Previous heavy physical labor experience

Exposure to heights and physically demanding environments

Valid Class A or Class B CDL with air brake endorsement

Ability to pass company knowledge test and road test

Ability to travel extensively (100% travel role; approximately 80%+ of the year)

Ability to lift up to 70 pounds

Ability to complete gas mask, respirator, lead exposure, and fall protection training

Visual ability to focus at close, mid, and far range with depth and color perception

Preferred:

NCCCO Certification

Heavy equipment experience (excavator, skid steer, forklift, grapple truck)

Knowledge of bridge construction methods and structural repair techniques

Level II Track Worker Safety qualification Work Environment

100% outdoor work environment

Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions

Exposure to loud construction noise and moving mechanical equipment

Potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and electrical sources

Work performed at heights and on uneven terrain Compensation

$32.90 - $37.85 per hour (based on experience and certifications)

Opportunities for advancement based on skill, performance, and leadership capability Benefits

Capital Railroad Services offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Paid Bereavement Leave

Travel Assistance Program (qualification period required)

Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse, and Dependent)

Paid Short-Term Disability

Company-provided PPE, tools, equipment, and transportation Work Schedule

Full-Time

Crew rotation schedule: 6 consecutive work weeks (including weekends), followed by 1 week off

Schedule based on project demands and field operations Work Location

Mobile project sites throughout the United States and Canada

100% travel position

Company-provided transportation between job sites Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.