Crane Operator

Position Summary

The Crane Operator is responsible for safely operating cranes to support construction, maintenance, outage, and turnaround activities within active and operating industrial facilities. This role requires strict compliance with plant safety rules, lift plans, and permit requirements while working around operating equipment, piping systems, and other trades. The Crane Operator plays a critical role in supporting safe, precise lifts in high‑risk industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate mobile, crawler, or hydraulic cranes to lift, move, and place materials, equipment, piping, vessels, and structural components within operating industrial plants.
• Execute routine, heavy, and critical lifts in accordance with engineered lift plans and plant-specific requirements.
• Perform precision lifts in tight or congested work areas.
• Read and understand load charts, lift studies, and rigging configurations.
• Maintain constant communication with riggers and signal persons during lifting operations.
• Secure loads properly and ensure compliance with weight, height, and route restrictions.
• Must determine that the signal person understands and performs proper hand signals before lifting the load.
• Conduct daily pre‑operation inspections of cranes and report any deficiencies.
• Ensure crane setup complies with ground conditions, outrigger requirements, and site constraints.
• Comply with all OSHA regulations, company policies, and client/plant safety rules.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate crane inspection and maintenance records.
• Report mechanical issues and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
• Support plant maintenance, capital projects, shutdowns, and turnaround schedules.
• Understand and follow erection sequences and material placement plans.
• Work closely with riggers, signalpersons, and job supervisors during lifting operations.
• Ensure that all lifts are performed safely, efficiently, and within crane capacity limits.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read, interpret, and calculate the load percentage by utilizing the load charts of the crane’s owner and operation manual.
• Must have a current crane operating license (NCCCO or NCCER Certification or equivalent).
• 3 or more years of experience operating hydraulic cranes required.
• Ability to operate crane by viewing hand signals.
• OSHA 10 or 30 Construction strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of industrial lift planning and rigging practices.
• Ability to work safely around live plant operations and process equipment.
• Excellent communication skills and situational awareness.
• Ability to remain focused and make sound decisions in high-risk environments.
• Willingness to follow strict plant rules and permit systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills to understand instructions, applicable safety regulations, and to maintain records.
• Basic mechanical ability to troubleshoot crane/tractor issues.
• Ability to work in exposure to noise, dust, and heavy equipment operations.