Hydraulic Crane Operator — Safe Lifts & Rigging Expert

Gulf Copper; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Copper is seeking an experienced crane operator to join our team in Texas. The role involves operating cranes and other lifting equipment, following safety practices, and collaborating with rigging crews to load and unload shipments.

The ideal candidate has 1–5 years of heavy equipment experience, with NCCCO/NCCER preferred and crane signals certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to read blueprints are essential for success on this site.

Qualifications

• Must have 1-year certificate or 3–5 years of heavy equipment operation.
• NCCCO/NCCER preferred.
• Trained/certified in crane signals.
• Knowledge of communicating through radios.
• Ability to read blueprints and diagrams.
• Strong safety focus and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely in accordance with industry practices.
• Move loads using cranes, cherry pickers, or other lifting devices.
• Inspect and maintain cables, pulleys, and grappling components; repair as needed.
• Inspect and replace worn cables as required.
• Set up ground conditions and rigging accurately.
• Direct helpers in blocking or outrigging under cranes.
• Work at heights up to 100 feet.
• Verify load weights against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
• Direct truck drivers to load bays and secure loads for delivery.
• Load or unload bundles using moving equipment.
• Review schedules to plan orders and loading sequences.
• Weigh bundles on floor scales and record weights.
• Log hours and work performed for each lift.
• Read load charts and range diagrams.

Skills

Crane operation

Safety compliance

Blueprint reading

Radios communication

Team player

Mathematics

Education

1-year certificate / 3–5 years heavy equipment

NCCCO/NCCER preferred

Crane signals certified

Radio communication knowledge

Job description

Gulf Copper is seeking an experienced crane operator to join our team in Texas. The role involves operating cranes and other lifting equipment, following safety practices, and collaborating with rigging crews to load and unload shipments.

The ideal candidate has 1–5 years of heavy equipment experience, with NCCCO/NCCER preferred and crane signals certification. Strong communication skills and the ability to read blueprints are essential for success on this site.