Crane Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Crane Operator

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate crawler, lattice-boom, hydraulic, and other assigned cranes during heavy civil marine construction activities.
• Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections and document equipment condition, deficiencies, and maintenance needs.
• Review lift plans, load charts, site conditions, crane configuration, and ground or barge stability before beginning lifting operations.
• Complete routine and critical lifts involving piles, structural steel, concrete components, marine equipment, materials, and construction tooling.
• Coordinate crane operations with designated signal persons, riggers, supervisors, vessel operators, and other field personnel.
• Verify load weights, lifting capacities, boom configurations, rigging arrangements, and operating radii before each lift.
• Maintain awareness of overhead hazards, utilities, swing radius, personnel, weather conditions, vessel traffic, and changing site conditions.
• Safely operate cranes from barges, piers, shorelines, and other marine construction platforms while accounting for movement, list, and environmental conditions.
• Follow approved lift plans, Job Safety Analyses, manufacturer requirements, company procedures, and applicable OSHA and USACE EM 385-1-1 standards.
• Immediately stop operations when unsafe conditions, communication failures, equipment deficiencies, or unplanned changes are identified.
• Support equipment mobilization, setup, breakdown, loadout, and transportation while protecting employees, the public, property, equipment, and the environment.

Qualifications

• Valid state-issued driver's license with a clean driving record
• Current NCCCO Certification (TLL / LAT) or an equivalent national recognized crane operator certification
• Valid DOT Physical (or ability to obtain prior to employment)
• Minimum of 3 years of crane operating experience in a marine construction environment
• Ability to pass a federal background check and drug screening
• Ability to obtain and maintain required federal installation access credentials

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of crane load charts, lift planning, rigging practices, hand signals, and operational limits
• Experience operating cranes from barges, piers, shorelines, and other marine construction platforms
• Experience on NAVFAC, USACE, or USCG federal construction projects.
• Experience operating dredging pumps, pile driving, and working with commercial divers

Working Conditions

Outdoor work in variable environmental conditions. Exposure to loud noises, heavy machinery, and near water.

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.

What We Offer:

• 9 paid holidays
• Vacation, Sick and Bereavement pay
• PPE as required: Work Boots, Safety Vest, Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, PFD, etc. 
• Employer pays 75% of premium payments, Available after 60 days of employment. 
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
• 401k + match up to 3%
• $25,000 Life Insurance 
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Underwater Mechanix Services (UMX) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

UMX is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Applicants who require an accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources.

Employment Requirements

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, verification of employment eligibility, reference verification, and any position-specific licensing, certification, or security requirements permitted by law. UMX participates in E-Verify and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

Compensation Transparency

Where required by applicable law, UMX provides a good-faith salary or hourly wage range in its job postings. Compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, education, skills, certifications, geographic location, and business needs.