Crane Operator - Bridge & Heavy Civil Construction

Join Our Team C&S Contracting Co. LLC and CMES, Inc. are seeking experienced, dependable, and safety-focused Crane Operators who take pride in delivering high-quality bridge and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

If you have proven experience operating lattice-boom crawler cranes, setting bridge girders, supporting pile-driving operations, and performing structural lifts on heavy civil construction projects, we encourage you to apply. About C&S Contracting Co. LLC and CMES, Inc. CMES, Inc. and C&S Contracting Co. LLC are established heavy civil and infrastructure construction companies specializing in roadway construction, bridges, retaining walls, structural concrete, underground utilities, and major transportation infrastructure improvements throughout Georgia.

With over 25 years of industry experience through CMES, our companies are committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and workmanship.

We are seeking an experienced Crane Operator with a strong background in bridge construction, structural concrete, retaining walls, pile driving, and heavy civil infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have proven hands-on experience operating lattice-boom crawler cranes, setting bridge girders, performing structural lifts, and supporting complex construction operations.

Position Summary The Crane Operator 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 heavy civil construction projects.

The ideal candidate must have direct, hands-on experience setting bridge girders, precast and prestressed concrete beams, and structural steel components while coordinating precision lifting operations with bridge crews, riggers, signal persons, and field supervision.

This position also requires experience supporting pile-driving operations, crane assembly and disassembly, crane maintenance, and concrete pours, along with advanced knowledge of crane load charts, lifting capacities, rigging procedures, and lift planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Crane Operations & Structural Setting 1. Safely operate lattice-boom cranes and other crane equipment for which the operator is properly certified and qualified. 2. Perform precision lifting, positioning, and setting of bridge girders, precast and prestressed concrete beams, structural steel beams, and other heavy structural components. 3. Accurately set bridge components onto designated bearings, supports, and structural connections according to approved construction plans and lift procedures. 4. Lift and position precast retaining wall panels, concrete forms, reinforcing steel assemblies, pier caps, columns, and bridge deck components. 5. Perform crane operations supporting pile driving, foundation construction, and structural concrete placement. 6. Operate cranes during concrete pours, including lifting and positioning concrete buckets and associated equipment. 7. Interpret crane load charts, boom configurations, operating radii, load weights, and lifting capacities. 8. Coordinate lifting activities with qualified riggers, signal persons, bridge crews, foremen, and superintendents. 9. Execute lifts according to approved lift plans, including critical lifts and tandem crane operations when applicable. 10. Evaluate crane positioning, ground conditions, equipment stability, and surrounding hazards before beginning lifting operations. 11. Participate in crane assembly, disassembly, and configuration changes in accordance with manufacturer requirements and applicable OSHA regulations. 12. Maintain safe and efficient crane operations while meeting project schedules and production requirements.

Bridge Construction, Retaining Walls & Heavy Civil Infrastructure 1. Support bridge construction, widening, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. 2. Demonstrate proficiency in setting concrete bridge girders, structural steel beams, and precast structural components. 3. Assist with lifting and placement activities involving bridge foundations, piers, columns, pier caps, and bridge decks. 4. Support installation and removal of structural concrete formwork, falsework, and reinforcing steel assemblies. 5. Operate cranes during construction of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, cast-in-place retaining walls, and other structural retaining wall systems. 6. Lift, position, and set precast retaining wall panels and structural concrete components. 7. Support pile-driving operations, including handling and positioning piles and pile-driving equipment using approved crane configurations and procedures. 8. Assist with drilled shaft construction, foundation installation, and other heavy lifting operations. 9. Support concrete pours by safely positioning concrete buckets, forms, and associated structural materials. 10. Coordinate with bridge, structural concrete, grading, excavation, and foundation crews to maintain safe and efficient project operations.

Crane Safety, Maintenance & Equipment Inspections 1. Perform required daily pre-operation crane inspections and maintain accurate equipment inspection records. 2. Conduct routine crane maintenance, including checking fluid levels, lubrication, wire ropes, hooks, tracks, and other operating components. 3. Identify mechanical deficiencies, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe conditions, and report concerns immediately. 4. Assist with crane assembly, disassembly, and equipment mobilization in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable safety requirements. 5. Verify load weights, crane capacities, rigging configurations, ground conditions, and lifting requirements before performing lifts. 6. Follow applicable OSHA crane regulations, manufacturer operating guidelines, and company safety procedures. 7. Recognize and address hazards involving suspended loads, overhead power lines, unstable ground, restricted work areas, and adverse weather conditions. 8. Maintain effective communication with qualified riggers, signal persons, and field supervision. 9. Participate in lift planning, job hazard assessments, toolbox talks, and safety meetings. 10. Maintain equipment cleanliness, operational readiness, and proper documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 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/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 required.
• Telescopic Boom Crane – Swing Cab (TLL) certification required.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Core Competencies

• Lattice-Boom Crawler Crane Operation
• Bridge Girder and Structural Beam Setting
• Precast and Prestressed Concrete Placement
• Structural Steel Placement
• Pile-Driving Support Operations
• Crane Assembly and Disassembly
• Crane Maintenance and Inspections
• Concrete Pour Operations
• Bridge Construction and Rehabilitation
• Retaining Wall and Structural Concrete Construction
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure Construction
• Crane Load Charts and Lift Planning
• Precision Lifting and Rigging Coordination
• OSHA Crane Safety Compliance
• Communication, Teamwork, and Attention to Detail

Supervisory Responsibility This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but requires close coordination with bridge crews, qualified riggers, signal persons, foremen, superintendents, and other construction personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Work Environment This position requires working outdoors on active heavy civil, bridge, and infrastructure construction sites throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding Georgia locations. Work may involve active roadways, elevated structures, uneven terrain, deep excavations, suspended loads, moving construction equipment, and varying weather conditions. All employees must comply with C&S Contracting Co. LLC and CMES, Inc. safety policies, manufacturer requirements, and applicable OSHA regulations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely access, enter, and exit crane operator cabs.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating crane controls.
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated equipment platforms.
• Ability to maintain the concentration, coordination, and visual awareness necessary for safe crane operations.
• Ability to 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.