Crane Operator at Capital Railroad Services – Madison, Wisconsin

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

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 initiativenot tenure alone.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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

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

• Full-Time

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

• Schedule based on project demands and field operations

• Mobile project sites throughout the United States and Canada

• 100% travel position

• Company-provided transportation between job sites

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.

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