Crane Operator

IMCO General Construction is seeking an experienced Crane Operator to operate Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes to join our marine construction project team in Bellingham, Washington. This project involves the cleanup and restoration of a marine waterfront area near downtown Bellingham.

The ideal candidate will have significant crane-operating experience in heavy-civil or marine construction environments. Candidates should be experienced in safely operating cranes to support pile driving, dredging and capping, diver-tending, barge-positioning, material-handling, and other marine construction activities. Experience working from barges and coordinating lifts with rigging crews, signal persons, vessel operators, and field leadership is strongly preferred. We are looking for a safety-focused professional who is an effective communicator and willing to work in the field as part of a collaborative team environment.

This position is primarily responsible for operating cranes to lift, move, position, and reposition loads safely and efficiently. The Crane Operator directly controls crane functions and must possess excellent manual dexterity and the ability to regulate crane and hoist movements according to written, verbal, or signal instructions.

In addition to crane operation, candidates must be willing and able to operate other equipment, including forklifts and loaders, as project needs require. This individual must adhere to company values, safety standards, and work effectively within a team-oriented culture.

Project Overview

Additional Information:
Local applicants are preferred. Company-sponsored housing is not available, and relocation assistance will not be provided.

IMCO provides an employee-focused culture and a team-oriented environment, with a strong emphasis on developing successful employees.

Compensation and Benefits

- Starting pay is based on 8/20/2025 Whatcom County Prevailing Wage Rates. Hourly rate depends on equipment operated during the shift. Hourly rate range is $ 73.15 - $73.92 an hour, depending on the size of equipment operated. This wage range DOESN’T include the hourly rate of fringe benefits plus a fringe package. Link to look up exact wages here: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/wagelookup/rates/journey-level-rates

- Medical, vision, and dental insurance available on the first day of the month following 60 days of full-time employment.

- 401(k) retirement plan available on the first day of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. IMCO offers 100% company matching up to 4% of eligible wages.

- Paid Sick leave – 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.

Responsibilities

- Operate Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes safely and efficiently

- Safely operate cranes from barges, temporary work platforms, and land-based work areas to support marine and heavy-civil construction activities.

- Perform lifts associated with pile driving, dredging and capping, diver-tending operations, barge positioning, and marine equipment handling.

- Coordinate lifts and crane movements with rigging crews, signal persons, vessel operators, divers, and field leadership.

- Complete daily crane inspections and report mechanical, safety, or maintenance concerns before operating.

- Review lift plans, load charts, site conditions, and equipment capacities before each operation.

- Monitor changing weather, water, tide, ground, and barge conditions that may affect safe crane operations.

- Maintain required operator certifications and follow all company, project, manufacturer, and regulatory safety requirements.

- Understand and respond to all applicable hand signals

- Perform proper rigging practices with safety as the highest priority

- Read and interpret load charts and lift plans

- Operate additional equipment such as forklifts and loaders as needed

- Follow all company, state, and site-specific safety requirements

- Promote effective protection of people, equipment, and property

- Communicate effectively with supervisors, signal persons, riggers, and other team members

- The primary responsibility for this position is crane operation. Candidates must also be willing and able to operate additional heavy equipment as needed.

This is an overview of responsibilities and may not include all duties required for the position.

Location & commitments

- Project Location: Bellingham, Washington

- Employment Type: Full-time+

- Shifts may vary to accommodate tide schedules. 5- 6 days a week during peak schedule

- Overtime may be available

- Evening and weekend work may be required to meet project milestones

Requirements and Qualifications

- Minimum of three years of heavy civil, infrastructure crane-operating experience in marine construction, pile driving, or similar heavy-civil work preferred.

- Demonstrated experience operating cranes from barges, temporary platforms, trestles, or other marine work environments.

- Experience supporting the installation and extraction of steel, concrete, timber, and sheet piles.

- Knowledge of pile-driving equipment, including impact and vibratory hammers, leads, templates, rigging, and related attachments.

- Working knowledge of load charts, lift plans, crane setup, rigging practices, and standard hand and radio signals.

- Ability to evaluate weather, tide, water, barge, and site conditions that may affect crane stability and lifting operations.

- Qualified rigger and signal person credentials preferred.

- Experience coordinating operations with pile bucks, rigging crews, tug and barge operators, divers, and field leadership.

- Ability to travel and work outdoors in changing weather, over or near water, and on varying shifts or extended schedules as project needs require.

- Minimum 5 years of experience operating a Lattice Boom Crawler Crane

- Current NCCCO Lattice Boom Crawler (LBC) certification, with the ability to maintain certification

- Knowledge and understanding of reading plans and drawings

- Basic math skills to assist ground personnel with cuts, fills, and elevations

- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions

- Safety-Sensitive Position:
This is a safety-sensitive position. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Employees are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment in accordance with the company's zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer criminal background check. Background information will be evaluated in relation to the position and in accordance with applicable law; a criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment.

- Must adhere to all safety requirements

- Must be capable of passing site-specific safety training and testing

- Commitment to teamwork, integrity, and safe work practices

About IMCO

IMCO is a heavy civil general contractor serving public and private clients throughout Washington, Montana, Oregon, and Idaho. Our employees are our most valued asset. We take pride in offering competitive wages and benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture rooted in teamwork, innovation, safety, and integrity.

Our Mission: Proudly building complex projects with integrity, excellence, and safety.

Our Vision: To be the most exceptional team, tackling challenging opportunities with world-class innovation while making a posi