Clamshell Friction Crane Operator - Memphis, TN

Pay: $28–$32/hr, depending on relevant crane operating experience

Schedule: Monday–Friday | Day Shift | Overtime and weekends as needed

Employment: Full-Time, Year-Round | Home Every Night | No Overnight Travel

Terminal Address: 1701 Dock St, Memphis, TN 38113

Equipment: American 999 and Manitowoc 3900 Lattice Boom Friction Cranes with Clamshell Buckets, Skid Steers, Front-End Loaders, Forklifts, and Other Terminal Equipment

Experience: Previous professional crane operating experience is required. Friction crane and clamshell bucket experience are strongly preferred, but experienced hydraulic crawler crane operators or operators with comparable crane backgrounds may also be considered for training.

Job Summary

Watco is hiring an experienced Crane Operator at our Memphis marine terminal. This is a full-time, year-round opportunity offering a primarily Monday–Friday day-shift schedule with no overnight travel and the ability to be home every night.

This hands-on position involves operating lattice boom friction cranes equipped with clamshell buckets to safely load, unload, and move bulk materials between barges and terminal storage areas. Operators also operate skid steers, front-end loaders, forklifts, and other heavy equipment to support daily terminal operations.

Our terminal handles a variety of bulk and breakbulk materials, with operations involving barges, railcars, trucks, and terminal storage areas.

Previous friction crane or clamshell bucket experience is strongly preferred. However, experienced hydraulic crawler crane operators or operators with comparable heavy lifting experience may also be considered for training.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced crane operator seeking steady, local, year-round employment without traveling between jobsites. In addition to crane operation, this position assists with deckhand duties, general labor, equipment maintenance, and other terminal operations as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate lattice boom friction cranes with clamshell buckets to load, unload, and move bulk materials, including barge unloading operations.
• Operate additional terminal equipment, including skid steers, front-end loaders, forklifts, and other heavy equipment as needed.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and follow established crane operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Assist with deckhand duties, including handling lines, securing barges, assisting with docking operations, climbing ladders, and attaching cables.
• Support general labor, material handling, equipment maintenance, and terminal upkeep.
• Participate in daily job briefings, safety meetings, and required training.
• Complete required documentation, inspections, and operational records.
• Perform other terminal duties as assigned based on operational needs.

Qualifications

• Previous professional crane operating experience is required.
• Experience operating friction cranes, clamshell bucket cranes, or lattice boom crawler cranes is strongly preferred.
• Experience with American 999, Manitowoc 3900, or similar lattice boom cable-operated cranes is highly desirable.
• Experienced hydraulic crawler crane operators or operators of comparable heavy lifting equipment may also be considered.
• Experience with barge loading/unloading, marine terminals, dredging, or bulk material handling is preferred.
• Experience operating skid steers, front-end loaders, forklifts, or similar heavy equipment is preferred.
• Willingness to learn friction crane operations and operate various types of terminal equipment as needed.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and follow established operating procedures.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding duties.
• Willingness to assist with deckhand responsibilities, general labor, and other terminal operations as needed.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or adjusted hours based on operational needs.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, work effectively with a team, and maintain dependable attendance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain any required certifications or qualifications for the position.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.

Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Benefits:

Salary : $28 - $32