Crane Operator - Journeyman - Swing Shift

Vigor, LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Vigor Marine Group is hiring a Journeyman Crane Operator for the Swing Shift in Portland, OR. The role requires operating cranes, following safety protocols, and coordinating with riggers to move heavy loads on site.

The position emphasizes experience with different crane types, adherence to pre-operational checks, and compliance with State and Federal safety regulations. The role is based at our Portland facility and reports to the yard supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred or equivalent.
• 5-10 years of relevant crane experience, preferably operating whirly or tower cranes.
• NCCCO Certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interprets drawings and manuals to operate equipment safely and effectively.
• Performs heavy lift checks and ensures rigging is in good condition.
• Operates crane systems to lift, travel, and position loads with coordination from riggers.

Skills

Crane operation

Rigging knowledge

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

5-10 years relevant crane experience

Tools

NCCCO Certification

Job description

Crane Operator - Journeyman - Swing Shift

Location: Portland, OR, United States
Date Posted: Oct 30, 2026

Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative, integrated partner with a national footprint in marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication, and marine services.

With four shipyards, six dry docks, and more than 20,000 feet of pier space on or near U.S. Naval bases and at historic shipyards, our 2,500 dedicated employees across four states – from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego to Norfolk – personify the values of our company. Vigor Marine Group takes pride in being the employer of choice for our employees, who in turn take great pride in their contributions to the communities where they live and work, and to their nation – through their living wage jobs supporting their local economies, and through the world‑class maritime and industrial services they provide to further our defense readiness and national security. For more information, visit vigor.net .

HOURLY RATE: $40.45

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Crane Operator Journey Level job includes the following responsibilities and duties:

Technical Manuals:

• Interprets drawings, diagrams and writing pertaining to the safe and effective operations of equipment covered.
• Makes effective use of Technical Manuals to derive procedures and interpret operating limitations of equipment and machinery.
• Follows directions and procedures and interprets guidelines, graphs, charts, and diagrams to perform maintenance and other routine tasks

Weight, Force, Moments and Angles:

• Understands the use of vectors in force triangles to determine the tensions and compressions set up in the various types of weight handling equipment.

Weight Measurement:

• Uses area and volume multiplied by the known weight per cubic foot of a particular type of material to determine weight.
• Identifies type, size, and purpose of all rigging equipment used on cranes.
• Knows the mechanical properties of rigging and maintains rigging equipment.
• Protects rigging from harmful conditions that could damage or weaken it.
• Identifies & reports rigging equipment that appears defective and poses safety hazards.

Terminology:

• Uses proper nomenclature and terminology when describing the parts and uses of wire rope.
• Uses proper nomenclature and terminology identifying lifting devices
• Operates on raised rail system to provide travel of Portal / Whirly Crane.
• Uses craneway personnel while moving about the yard.
• Makes precise movements of load, receiving directions from riggers using international signals and radios.
• Maintains situational awareness and is aware of any hazards within the area of operation.
• Conforms with State and Federal requirements.
• Adjusts to changing weather conditions such as rain, snow sun and wind.
• Understands forces acting on loads and counteracts to retain complete control over the load.

Hand Signals:

• Interprets and responds to international signals given by riggers when load and landing are visible or obstructed.

Weight Measurement and Instruments:

• Uses the information gathered from weight measuring equipment and or instruments at all times when moving loads. Uses experience to determine Load Moment Indicators (LMI), uses knowledge of crane scales and Boom Angle Indicators.

Lifting and Handling Equipment:

• Is familiar with the limitations and functions of types of cranes.
• Manipulates electric, hydraulic, and air-controlled pedals and levers to raise and lower boom and to travel.
• Conducts heavy lift checks on cranes prior to picks to ensure safe operations and identify possible faults or defects to crane before making picks.
• Operates cranes in concert to lift, travel, traverse and lower large assemblies.

Radius and Load Capacity Charts:

• Uses load capacity charts to ensure safe and proper loading materials.
• Ensures a level of safety is maintained to avoid mishap or injury to personnel or equipment during crane operations.

Pre-Operational Check:

• Conducts and completes daily pre-operational check form before placing crane into service.
• Reports defective or inoperative equipment to the applicable parties.

Weather:

• Applies working knowledge of wind direction, velocity, and other weather conditions, to ensure safety of product movement.

Journey Level performs similar work as the need arises.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Journey Level has the ability to consistently and accurately accomplish assigned technical and non-technical tasks as directed and works safely.
• Demonstrated proficiency in 1 of the support groupings and knowledge of a core/main ship repair area (1 certification or equivalent) OR demonstrated proficiency of 2 support services areas. Requires some supervision to perform more complex jobs/tasks but is able to perform majority of job duties independently, with minimal supervision.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 5-10 years relevant work experience, preferably operating whirly or tower cranes.
• Proven skills: Work history and/or applicable education will be considered in lieu of work experience.
• Work experience on various types and model of cranes.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Whirly / Tower Crane Certification / Lattice Boom
• NCCCO Certification strongly preferred

VERSATILITY OF SKILLS:

Journey Level has the ability to apply a range of skills to a variety of work situations, either inside or outside the craft.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Ability to work, take direction, and communicate within the craft as well as cooperate with other crafts to meet production goals in a positive work environment.
• Identifies and resolves problems and works toward the success of assigned projects as a whole.

This role is with a federally contracted employer and is subject to regulations that restrict employment to US Persons only (i.e. US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, legally recognized asylees and refugees, and persons protected under INA). Successful job candidates will be asked to provide documentation of their US Persons status.

Vigor Industrial LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries are drug, smoke and vape‑free workplaces. Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test and background check as pre‑employment screening.

Vigor Values

Vigor expects all employees to enhance the atmosphere in which they work by living the Vigor Values every day.

Truth: We seek the truth, and we speak the truth
Responsibility:We act on what we know is right
Evolution: We seek mastery, and adapt to a changing world
Love:We care about the people we work with, and the world we live in

Vigor and its wholly owned subsidiaries are committed to inclusion and diversity by providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, genetics, the presence of a physical or mental condition or disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other protected class under relevant laws in the locations we operate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and can be requested with Vigor’s Human Resources Department.

In addition to federal law requirements, Vigor complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination and non-retaliation in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interested in joining the industrial evolution at Vigor Marine Group but don't see a job posted that fits your experience?