SiteWorker is seeking an experienced Crane Operator to support shipyard and ship construction operations in Portsmouth, Virginia. This role sits inside an active heavy marine construction environment — lifts are frequently over vessels, dry docks, piers, and active work crews, so precision, communication, and a disciplined safety culture are non-negotiable. The ideal candidate holds current NCCCO certification across multiple crane types, has hands-on Heavy Marine Construction experience, and is comfortable operating in a badged, security-controlled shipyard environment. The Crane Operator performs a variety of skilled mechanical duties involving crane operation, crane safety, rigging coordination, lift planning, and preventive maintenance.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

•     Inspect, maintain, and repair crane and rigging equipment as needed, including pre-shift and post-shift inspections per OSHA and ASME B30 standards.

•     Develop and communicate a documented lift plan prior to execution of any critical or non-routine lift.

•     Calculate load capacity utilizing crane load charts, capacity indicators, and rigging configurations.

•     Lift, position, and place equipment, materials, hull sections, or other large objects at assigned shipyard or pier-side locations.

•     Operate mobile, crawler, gantry, or barge-mounted cranes as assigned, adjusting technique for shifting loads, tidal conditions, and vessel proximity.

•     Drive trucks/cranes to and from job sites, piers, and other assigned areas within the shipyard.

•     Operate crane in a safe and efficient manner, coordinating closely with certified riggers and signal persons.

•     Read instructions, work orders, and lift drawings, and interpret them to perform the correct lift.

•     Coordinate lift timing and access with shipyard safety officers, trade supervisors, and vessel personnel.

•     Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, and lift-plan documentation for compliance and audit purposes.

•     Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

•     Thorough knowledge of standard crane hand signals and radio signal protocol (ASME B30.5 / B30.2).

•     Ability to read a crane load chart and perform a lift in a safe and efficient manner, accounting for boom angle, radius, and outrigger/counterweight configuration.

•     Ability to communicate and coordinate direction with riggers, signal persons, and ground crew during lift execution.

•     Working knowledge of rigging hardware, sling angles, and load calculation fundamentals.

•     Comfort operating in a marine environment, including lifts over water, near vessels, and on floating or fixed pier structures.

•     Familiarity with shipyard safety protocols and controlled-access site procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•     High School Diploma or GED.

•     Current NCCCO certification required. At minimum, Mobile Crane Operator (Core + relevant specialty — Lattice Boom, Telescopic Boom Swing Cab, or Telescopic Boom Fixed Cab). Additional NCCCO categories strongly preferred given shipyard duties: Overhead Crane Operator and/or Articulating Crane Operator, depending on equipment assigned.

•     NCCCO Rigger Level I certification required; Rigger Level II preferred for complex or critical lifts.

•     NCCCO Signal Person certification preferred, or demonstrated proficiency in standard crane signaling.

•     1–2 years' experience operating a crane in a construction environment; Heavy Marine Construction, shipyard, or industrial waterfront experience strongly preferred.

•     OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification required; OSHA 30-Hour preferred.

•     Experience with barge-mounted or floating crane operations is a plus, given tidal and waterway conditions common to shipyard lifts.

•     Ability to acquire and maintain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card — required for unescorted access to shipyard and waterfront facilities.

•     Ability to pass background screening and obtain installation-specific badging/access required for Norfolk Naval Shipyard and other secured shipyard or military installations; candidates should be prepared for a NACI-level or equivalent background check where applicable.

•     Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred.

•     U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. required; citizenship may be required for access to certain secured government or military-adjacent worksites.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•     Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.

•     Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and similar structures, including vessel access points.

•     Exposure to construction and marine site dangers, including working near water, active vessels, and heavy equipment.

•     Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

•     Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

•     Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations in a fast-moving, multi-trade environment.

•     Ability to respond quickly to sounds and signals in noisy shipyard and dockside environments.

•     Able to traverse all areas of the jobsite in all types of weather; this may require walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching, including on piers, decks, and confined vessel spaces.