Crawler Crane Operator; 2ND SHIFT

Company Overview

Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, barge and boat repair, surface preparation and painting, water treatment, and new construction services to the commercial and government marine industry. Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four shipyards in South Texas with direct deep‑water access to the Gulf of Mexico. Our motto is “Faster, Safer, Better”.

This position supports field operations at the assigned project location. Employees operate a variety of friction or hydraulic lattice boom cranes ranging from 50‑ton to 150‑ton capacity in the construction or repair of barges, boats, and/or ferries. The crane operator works closely with welders, laborers, and other skilled or semi‑skilled craft workers to ensure timely and successful completion of barge repair projects.

Operators working night shift will train during the day shift for the first few weeks.

• Operate assigned heavy equipment safely and effectively to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.
• Maneuver and position loads over designated areas in a smooth, safe manner.
• Utilize load charts to ensure lifts are performed within the determined load and radius capabilities of the crane.
• Assist in the assembly and disassembly of the crane, including boom and hoisting cables.
• Perform maintenance duties such as cleaning, greasing, oiling, and fueling assigned equipment.
• Inspect the crane daily for problem areas such as worn cables, worn bands, broken gears, and housings; advise foreman of any repair or maintenance requirements.
• Secure the crane upon the work barge and demonstrate safe work practices throughout lifting activities.
• Ensure the crane has adequate ground bearing capacity to maintain stability during lifting.
• Be responsible for all rigging and the method in which loads are rigged.
• Work closely with site management and crew to complete projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Placing loads precisely where exact movements are required under complex or adverse conditions.
• Assist with excavation activities, including hoisting material, tools, equipment, or related work.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Participate in safety and environmental initiatives that contribute to compliance with state/federal regulations and improve company programs.
• Maintain personal safety and the safety of all co‑workers and others encountered on site.
• Stop work when an unsafe condition is anticipated or observed; alert foreman, safety officer, or human resources.
• Be available for overtime and weekends, and be prepared for long hours and weekend work.

• 3–5 years of experience operating hydraulic cranes, or high school diploma or equivalent with at least three years of related experience, training, or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• Ability to operate equipment safely and responsibly.
• Knowledge of construction rigging standards, including use of slings, cable chokers, spreader bars, and multi‑part load blocks.
• Ability to read and use crane load charts to determine load and radius capabilities.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions and make decisions based on safety and operational standards.
• Basic reading and writing skills.
• Competencies:
  
  stress management, communication proficiency, teamwork orientation, results‑driven mindset.
• Knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in barge repair projects.
• Problem‑solving ability and aptitude for drawing conclusions.
• Preferred: working knowledge of shipyard operations.

• Walk, step, climb, or otherwise move between locations on the work site, including varying heights and access parameters.
• Access and exit machines safely.
• Stand, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, squat, climb, or sit for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive movements with feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.
• Climb vertical ladders of 6 ft or greater.
• Work in confined areas or elevated heights.
• Lift objects weighing at least 10 lb, with a maximum single‑person lift limit of 50 lb, frequently carrying and lifting.
• Adapt to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, prolonged exposure to dust, wet or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration.
• Maintain vision standards: 20/20 vision (natural or corrected); pass a Crane Operator Physical test.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.