Overhead Crane Operator / Level 3 Rigger

Smith Industries; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Job summary

Smith Industries is seeking an experienced Overhead Crane Operator / Level 3 Rigger to join its fabrication team in Midland, TX. This hands-on role requires expert crane operation, advanced rigging, load evaluation, and load securement for lifting heavy materials and components across the facility.

The successful candidate will evaluate lifts, select rigging equipment, coordinate the lift from start to finish, and mentor less-experienced staff in proper rigging techniques and safe lifting

Qualifications

• Level 3 Rigger experience required.
• Overhead crane operating experience required.
• Experience performing heavy, complex, and/or critical lifts.
• Strong knowledge of advanced rigging techniques and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to determine load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, load distribution, and rigging capacity.
• Ability to select, inspect, and use rigging equipment including slings, shackles, hooks, and spreader bars.
• Knowledge of crane capacity and load charts.
• Knowledge of crane hand signals.
• Ability to read blueprints and other lifting-related drawings.
• Strong OSHA knowledge and rigging practices.
• Ability to recognize unsafe lifting conditions and stop work.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate overhead cranes using ground or pendant controls.
• Rig, lift, move, and position heavy materials and components.
• Determine load weights, dimensions, CG, and lifting requirements.
• Select proper rigging equipment and configuration for each lift.
• Use slings, shackles, hooks, spreader bars and related accessories correctly.
• Inspect load hookups and ensure secure, balanced loads during movement.
• Communicate with crane operators, spotters, and team members via signals and radio.
• Adjust rigging to maintain balance and control throughout lifts.
• Read load charts and blueprints to plan safe rigging methods.
• Perform pre-use inspections of cranes and rigging gear; report deficiencies.
• Assist with routine maintenance of crane and rigging equipment.
• Plan and execute complex or non-routine lifts; address hazards with supervisors.

Skills

Level 3 Rigger

Overhead crane experience

Heavy lifts

Advanced rigging

Load weight & CG

Rigging equipment inspection

Crane capacity charts

Hand signals

Blueprint interpretation

OSHA standards

Hazard recognition

Teamwork & communication

Job description

Benefits:

• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance

We are seeking an experienced Overhead Crane Operator / Level 3 Rigger to join our fabrication team. This position is responsible for the safe lifting, moving, rigging, and positioning of heavy materials, equipment, and fabricated components throughout the facility.

This is a hands‑on position requiring strong experience in both overhead crane operation and advanced rigging. The ideal candidate will be able to evaluate a lift, determine load requirements, select the proper rigging equipment, safely secure the load, and coordinate the lift from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate traveling and stationary overhead cranes using ground or pendant controls.
• Rig, lift, move, and position heavy materials, equipment, and fabricated components.
• Determine load weights, dimensions, center of gravity, and lifting requirements prior to performing a lift.
• Select the appropriate rigging equipment and configuration based on the load and lifting conditions.
• Properly use slings, shackles, hooks, spreader bars, and other lifting and rigging accessories.
• Inspect load hookups and ensure loads are properly secured, balanced, and controlled before and during movement.
• Communicate with crane operators, spotters, and other team members using standard hand signals, radio communication, and verbal instructions.
• Adjust rigging as necessary to maintain proper load balance and control throughout the lift.
• Read and interpret load charts, drawings, blueprints, and lift information to determine safe and effective rigging methods.
• Perform pre‑use inspections of cranes, slings, shackles, hooks, and other rigging and hoisting equipment.
• Identify damaged, defective, or unsafe equipment, remove it from service when appropriate, and immediately report deficiencies to supervision.
• Assist with routine care and maintenance of crane and rigging equipment.
• Participate in the planning and execution of complex or non‑routine lifts.
• Work with supervisors, safety personnel, and other team members to identify hazards and resolve rigging or lifting challenges.
• Follow OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and established lifting and rigging practices at all times.
• Provide guidance and training to less‑experienced employees on proper rigging techniques, equipment selection, hand signals, and safe lifting practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and ensure rigging equipment is properly stored.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Rigger experience required.
• Previous overhead crane operating experience required.
• Demonstrated experience performing heavy, complex, and/or critical lifts.
• Strong knowledge of advanced rigging techniques and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to determine load weight, center of gravity, sling angles, load distribution, and rigging capacity.
• Ability to properly select, inspect, and use slings, shackles, hooks, spreader bars, and other rigging equipment.
• Knowledge of crane capacity and load charts.
• Knowledge of standard crane and rigging hand signals.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, and other technical information related to lifting operations.
• Strong understanding of OSHA requirements and industry‑standard rigging and lifting practices.
• Ability to recognize unsafe lifting conditions and stop work when necessary.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness.

Preferred Experience

Experience in heavy fabrication, structural steel, oil and gas, pressure vessel fabrication, manufacturing, or a similar industrial environment is strongly preferred.

We are looking for someone who understands that safe lifting involves much more than operating a crane. The successful candidate will have the experience and judgment necessary to plan the lift, select and inspect the rigging, secure the load, communicate with the team, and safely execute the lift from start to finish.