Specialist Lifting and Handling Trainer

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values:
Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

The NRF Operations Training Unit is seeking a Specialist Trainer to deliver high?quality, technically accurate lifting and handling (L&H) training to crane operators and other personnel involved in weight?handling evolutions. This role focuses heavily on hands?on instruction using NRF?designated cranes and rigging equipment while ensuring trainees meet qualification, requalification, and remediation requirements. The Specialist Trainer develops training plans, practical exercises, and exams aligned with current operating requirements, facility procedures, and safety standards.

The trainer also works closely with Operations, Engineering, Compliance, and Weight Handling Program stakeholders to ensure curriculum accuracy and to incorporate lessons learned from field performance.

• Deliver classroom, practical, and scenario?based training for crane operators and riggers, including qualification and requalification evaluations.
• Develop and maintain lesson plans, practical exercise packages, and certification exams aligned with NRF crane requirements and procedures (e.g., operating envelopes, rigging practices, pre?lift checks, ORM steps).
• Train personnel on safe operation of cranes used at NRF and ensure content reflects current design, inspection, and testing requirements.
• Provide hands?on demonstrations and assessments covering load control, rigging inspection, hazard recognition, safe lifting practices, and fall?zone management.
• Conduct field surveillances to evaluate trainee performance and integrate operational lessons learned into future training cycles.
• Collaborate with Weight Handling Program representatives, Operations leadership, and engineering SMEs to ensure regulatory compliance and training accuracy.
• Maintain knowledge of NRF safety procedures, lifting/handling standards, annual/quadrennial load testing requirements, and inspection criteria for cranes and rigging equipment.

• High school diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience; or Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and 8 years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to qualify as a Crane Operator; and Former or Current qualification as Crane Operator.

• Previous hands?on lifting & handling (L&H) experience as a qualified crane operator.
• Demonstrated skill in signal communication, load control, and operational risk management.
• Familiarity with NRF crane types, inspection requirements, and testing protocols (static/dynamic load tests, condition checks).
• Strong ability to teach, mentor, and evaluate personnel with varying levels of technical experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply facility procedures, weight?handling program requirements, and safety standards.
• Experience developing technical training materials and conducting certification examinations.
• Clear, confident communication skills-both classroom and hands?on instruction.

• Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
• Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
• Personal & Medical Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
• Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

$95,700.00 - $ annually

Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S.…