Crane Operator

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business.

About the role

The Crane Operator role is responsible for supporting finished goods yard and shipping operations through the safe and efficient movement, staging, loading, unloading, and inventory handling of finished HVAC equipment and materials. This role operates heavy equipment in a finished goods storage yard environment and helps ensure safety, equipment readiness, shipment support, and inventory accuracy standards are consistently maintained. The position is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and requires regular outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including support during peak shipping periods and weather-related events.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for operating a Mi-Jack MJ100 Straddle Carrier in a safe and efficient manner within the finished goods storage yard.
• Load and unload trailers, transport vehicles, and other designated equipment in support of shipping and yard operations.
• Stage, relocate, and position finished HVAC products and materials throughout the storage yard based on operational priorities.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections to verify equipment condition, identify issues, and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Follow established standard work, operating procedures, traffic patterns, and equipment handling requirements.
• Support inventory accuracy through proper placement, movement, identification, and tracking of finished goods and materials.
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory verification activities as required.
• Coordinate effectively with logistics coordinators, shipping personnel, yard leadership, and other operational team members.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies, equipment operating rules, and site requirements.
• Support yard organization, housekeeping, and safe traffic flow throughout the work area.
• Respond effectively to changing shipping demands, peak workload periods, and weather-related operational needs.
• Assist with other yard, shipping, and logistics support activities as assigned.
• Attend, contribute to, and/or support meetings with team members and management as needed.
• Demonstrate positive and proactive behavior, good teamwork, and communication skills, including communicating effectively with others.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and adjusted schedules as required by business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of heavy equipment operating experience required.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions required.
• Mi-Jack or Travelift operating experience preferred.
• Container handling experience preferred.
• Rail or intermodal yard experience preferred.
• Forklift certification.
• CDL Class A preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, verbally communicate, and listen.
• The employee frequently is required to use hands and arms to operate equipment and controls and may be required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may be required to access heavy equipment safely and repeatedly throughout the shift.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires working mainly in the Grand Rapids finished goods storage yard and outdoor logistics environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, heavy equipment, powered industrial vehicles, changing weather conditions, and fumes or airborne particles.
• The role requires the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and other seasonal conditions.
• PPE is required in accordance with site policy.

Pay

Hourly base pay range: $21.79. Compensation is hourly and incentive eligible. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation.

Benefits

Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including:

• Health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives.
• Family building benefits including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution (total up to 8% company contribution).
• Paid time off including 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Benefit offerings may vary depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.