Crane Operator

Join a dynamic team where you will start by training on inventory locations, shadowing a trainer, learning color codes for steel, and operating a crane based on your prior experience. The role requires an ability to walk 8-10 hour shifts, both indoors and outdoors, performing various tasks including housekeeping, pulling beams, loading flatbed trailers and railcars, and filling out shipping reports.

• Train on first shift for at least two weeks to learn inventory locations.
• Shadow the trainer and perform general clean-up tasks.
• Learn color codes for steel and warehouse placement.
• Train and operate cranes, both indoor and outdoor.
• Load beams and materials onto flatbed trailers and railcars.
• Fill out shipping reports and document all outgoing loads.
• Adhere to safety rules and regulations.
• May train to be a saw or brake operator, forklift operator, or other promotional roles.

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in construction or manufacturing.
• Ability to read a tape measure, verified by test or reference.
• Ability to memorize locations and color systems.
• Physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform tasks such as reaching, stooping, and squatting.
• Experience operating equipment safely in a heavy industrial environment.

• Overhead crane experience in a heavy industry or military setting.
• Flexibility to train on day shift before moving to off shift.
• Ability to jump onto the backs of trailers safely.

Experience a rewarding career with competitive hourly pay and an attractive shares incentive plan. Employees enjoy the stability of a guaranteed incentive in their paychecks, with potential for additional earnings through promotions. The work environment offers a unique construction-like setting, fostering a strong team culture with opportunities for growth and development.

The role involves working in both indoor and outdoor settings, with exposure to various weather conditions. Surrounded by 200,000 square feet of steel beams, the environment is akin to a construction site, requiring hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. The facility features predominantly gravel flooring, with some concrete areas, and requires comfort in a physically demanding setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petersburg, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Petersburg,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 12, 2026.

About Aerotek:

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.