Crane Program Manager

MWH is a leading water and wastewater treatment-focused general contractor in the US with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Fueled by the mission of Building a Better World, our teams are rapidly growing across the nation.

As a company committed to our team's well-being and growth, we offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to contribute to a mission that shapes the future. Your expertise and ambition are valued here.

The work we do matters. The critical systems infrastructure we build changes lives, betters' communities, and improves ecosystems. If you're passionate about this, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

The Heavy Civil Crane Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading a world-class corporate crane safety and operations program across all MWH companies. This position will sit out of our Salem, OR yard office.

This role serves as the subject matter expert for crane operations, lifting activities, crane safety compliance, operator qualification standards, and fleet oversight.

The position works closely with Operations, Safety, Estimating, and project teams to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient crane operations across heavy civil construction projects.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive corporate crane safety program across all MWH companies.
• Create and maintain the MWH Crane Operator Manual and ensure all crane operators review and sign off prior to operating company equipment.
• Establish standardized crane policies, inspection procedures, critical lift requirements, and operational expectations.
• Provide technical guidance related to crane selection, setup, configuration, and heavy lifting operations.
• Review and approve critical lift plans and high-risk lifting activities.
• Partner with estimating teams regarding crane sizing and equipment selection during preconstruction and bid phases.
• Work directly with project teams to establish crane layouts and lifting plans prior to project startup.
• Lead and oversee the crane operator qualification and hiring review process across all MWH companies.
• Review operator certifications, qualifications, and experience prior to employment offers being extended.
• Coordinate with shop and fleet teams regarding crane build-outs, mobilizations, repairs, maintenance, and annual certifications.
• Conduct regular jobsite visits and crane audits to inspect equipment condition, care, maintenance practices, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA crane regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Assist with crane incident investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide crane safety training, mentoring, and operational guidance to field teams and leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of crane operations experience within heavy civil, industrial, or large commercial construction environments.
• Strong understanding of crane operations, rigging, lift planning, and critical picks.
• Extensive knowledge of OSHA crane regulations, ANSI standards, and industry best practices.
• Prior experience developing or managing crane safety programs preferred.
• NCCCO Certification or equivalent crane operator certifications strongly preferred.
• Ability to review crane charts, engineering drawings, and lift plans.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to jobsites across operating regions.

Preferred Experience

• Heavy civil construction experience including water/wastewater, dams, bridges, marine, or infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing crawler cranes, rough terrain cranes, hydraulic cranes, tower cranes, and specialty lifting equipment.
• Experience conducting crane audits, operator evaluations, and safety training.

Benefits

• Group health & welfare benefits including options for medical, dental and vision
• 100% company-paid benefits including Employee Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Spouse and Dependent Life & AD&D, Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD) (after 60 day waiting period for STD & LTD only), Employee Assistance Program and Health Advocate
• Voluntary benefits at discounted group rates for accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• Flexible Time Off Policy (includes vacation, sick and personal time)
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Plan (company matching contributions up to 4%)

MWH Constructors is a global project delivery company in heavy civil construction with a focus on water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. With the ultimate goal of delivering maximum value to clients and their local communities, MWH Constructors provides single-source, integrated design and construction services through a full range of project delivery methods. Incorporating industry-leading preconstruction and construction services, the Company's multi-disciplined team of engineering and construction…