What are the responsibilities and job description for the CRANE OPERATOR-H position at PANHANDLE OILFIELD SERVICES INC?
Crane Operator / Truck Driver
The Crane Operator / Truck Driver is primarily responsible for the safe operation of mobile cranes in active oilfield environments, including heavy lifting, equipment placement, and coordination with rigging and ground crews. Truck driving duties are secondary and performed as needed to support crane and equipment mobilization. This role requires a strong safety mindset, mechanical awareness, and the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced field conditions.
Primary Responsibilities – Crane Operations
- Safely operate mobile cranes to lift, move, and position oilfield equipment
- Perform daily pre-use inspections and routine operational checks
- Interpret load charts and follow written, verbal, and hand-signal instructions
- Coordinate crane activities with riggers, spotters, and ground personnel
- Follow all company, OSHA, DOT, and oilfield safety policies and procedures
- Identify mechanical or safety issues and report them promptly
- Maintain required crane certifications and competency standards
Secondary Responsibilities – Truck Driving & Equipment Support
- Operate flatbed or tractor-trailer vehicles to transport equipment as needed
- Secure loads in compliance with DOT regulations
- Complete driver e-logs, job tickets, and service documentation accurately
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
- Report incidents, accidents, or equipment defects immediately
- Participate in a 24-hour on-call rotation to support customer needs
- NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification with TLL endorsement
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Ability to operate a 10-speed manual transmission
- Minimum 1 year of crane operating experience
- Minimum 2 years of commercial truck driving experience
- Strong mechanical aptitude and basic maintenance skills
- Effective communication skills in English (speaking, reading, writing)
- Basic math skills (counting, addition, subtraction)
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating Grove or similar large-capacity cranes
- Prior oilfield or heavy equipment handling experience
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain
- Ability to climb on and off equipment, ladders, and platforms
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach for extended periods
- Ability to safely work around moving equipment, suspended loads, and high-noise environments
- Must be able to maintain alertness and situational awareness during long or irregular shifts
Pre-Employment & Ongoing Compliance Requirements
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening in accordance with DOT regulations
- Subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing as required by DOT
- Must pass a post-offer physical examination, including a DOT medical exam, and maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Subject to a criminal background check, motor vehicle record (MVR) review, and employment verification
- Must meet and maintain all DOT, NCCCO, OSHA, and company safety requirements throughout employment
- Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may result in disqualification from hire or continued employment