Crane Operator

Crane Operator in Panama City, FL

At UMX, we believe exceptional projects are built by exceptional people. Whether you are a diver, crane operator, laborer, welder, superintendent, foreman, project manager, or support professional, every member of our team contributes to the success of our projects and the future of our company.

Safety is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to providing the training, resources, and support necessary for our employees to perform their work safely, professionally, and confidently. Our goal is simple: everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

We take pride in performing specialized marine, federal, and infrastructure construction work that demands skill, accountability, and craftsmanship. We believe quality work comes from people who care about their trade, support their teammates, and take ownership of the results they produce.

Just as importantly, we believe in building careers, not simply filling positions. Many of our leaders have spent years developing their skills, earning trust, and growing alongside the company. We value individuals who are looking for more than their next projectwe value people who want to build a future, develop their expertise, and contribute to something larger than themselves.

As UMX continues to grow, opportunities continue to grow with it. Employees who demonstrate commitment, professionalism, initiative, and leadership will find opportunities to expand their responsibilities, develop new skills, and advance their careers.

We understand that strong teams are built through trust, consistency, and shared purpose. That is why we seek individuals who are serious about their craft, invested in their future, and motivated to help build a company they can be proud to be part of for years to come.

If you are looking for a workplace that values safety, stability, leadership, and long-term growth, we invite you to join the UMX team.

The Crane Operator at Underwater Mechanix, Inc. (UMX) is responsible for the safe, skilled, and compliant operation of lattice boom, hydraulic, and/or crane barge equipment in support of marine construction and waterfront project operations. This role requires a high level of technical proficiency, situational awareness, and adherence to rigorous lift planning and safety protocols in dynamic marine environments. The Crane Operator works directly with riggers, divers, and construction crews to execute precision lifts including pile driving, heavy material placement, and underwater operations support. This person is a team player with a positive outlook and attitude. They are patient with sharp attention skills and safety always attitude. If you have experience working with government projects then you know that you will need adaptive mindset and skills in patience, listening and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Crane Operations
• Operate lattice boom crawler cranes, hydraulic cranes, and/or crane barge-mounted cranes in the performance of marine construction lifts and pile driving operations.
• Execute lifts in strict accordance with approved Lift Plans, crane load charts, and site-specific rigging plans; never exceed rated capacity under any operating condition.
• Perform pile driving operations including leads, hammer setup, and pile placement in coordination with the Field Superintendent and rigging crew.
• Maintain continuous two-way communication with signalers, riggers, and the Superintendent during all lift operations.
• Pre-Operation & Safety
• Perform thorough pre-shift inspections per manufacturer requirements, ASME B30.5, and OSHA 1926.1412; document findings and report deficiencies before operating.
• Verify that all required Lift Plans, rigging certifications, and load chart documentation are available before commencing any critical or engineered lift.
• Operate the crane in full compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, ASME B30.5, and all applicable federal and contract-specific crane safety requirements
• Immediately cease operations and notify the Superintendent if any unsafe condition, equipment deficiency, or load anomaly is observed. Comply with all requirements for work near power lines, over water, and in proximity to dive operations
• Equipment Care & Documentation
• Maintain the crane in clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted operating condition; perform operator-level maintenance per the operator manual.
• Complete and submit daily crane inspection logs, pre-shift inspection records, and any incident reports accurately and on time

Minimum Qualifications

• NCCCO Certified Crane Operator (CCO) Lattice Boom Crawler (LBC) and/or Hydraulic Boom Crane (HBC); certification must be current and valid.
• Minimum of 5 years of crane operating experience in a marine construction, waterfront construction, or heavy civil environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating cranes on waterfront projects, over water, or in proximity to dive operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, ASME B30.5, and critical lift planning requirements.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and federal installation access credentials.
• Willingness to travel to project sites nationwide and at OCONUS locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating crane barge-mounted or marine pedestal cranes.
• Pile driving experience operation of leads, hammer setup, and driving assistance.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.
• Rigging certification (NCCCO Rigger Level II or equivalent).
• Experience on NAVFAC, USACE, or USCG federal construction projects.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires the ability to climb into and out of crane cab equipment, perform pre-shift inspections that may require climbing ladders and inspecting equipment at height, and lift up to 50 lbs. Good depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to remain alert during extended lift operations are essential.

Compensation & Benefits

• $35.00 - $40.00/Hour DOE
• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance