Stevedore Foreman

Carver Companies; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carver Companies seeks a Stevedore Foreman to supervise vessel cargo operations and crane crews at port terminals. You will oversee crane setup, rigging, and safe cargo handling per load charts and lifting plans, coordinating across sites to meet schedules.

Strong leadership, crane/rigger expertise, and effective communication are essential. The role may require travel and shift work, with focus on safety, documentation, and payroll-related tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or preferred.
• 3+ years in stevedoring, port ops, or marine terminals.
• 1+ year in supervisory or lead roles for crane, rigging, or cargo handling.
• Knowledge of crane ops, rigging, and cargo handling.
• Ability to read lifting plans, load charts, and cargo docs.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays per vessel schedules.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily cargo ops, crane crews, riggers, and laborers during vessel loading/unloading.
• Assist with setup, inspection, and safe operation of cranes and lifting gear.
• Ensure cargo handling follows load charts, lifting plans, and vessel requirements.
• Support operations across multiple sites and travel as needed.
• Monitor workflow and adjust to maintain productivity and efficiency.
• Identify and report equipment issues, unsafe conditions, or delays to leadership.
• Train, mentor, and coach crew on crane operation, rigging, and safety.
• Enforce company policies, OSHA regs, environmental rules, and PPE use.
• Maintain records of work, inspections, and safety activities.
• Communicate progress and issues with vessel personnel, terminal staff, and leadership.
• Assist in troubleshooting ship gear and in payroll/timekeeping processes.
• Coordinate staffing and schedule adjustments with Operations and HR.

Skills

Leadership

Crane operation

Supervision

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

OSHA 30 certification

TWIC eligibility

Job description

The Stevedore Foreman oversees vessel cargo operations. This role provides direct supervision to crane crews, riggers, and labor personnel while ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant cargo handling operations. The Foreman is responsible for executing daily operational plans, maintaining equipment readiness, and supporting workforce coordination in a fast-paced maritime environment.

• Supervise daily cargo operations, including crane crews, riggers, and laborers during vessel loading and unloading.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, and safe operation of cranes and related lifting equipment.
• Ensure cargo is handled in accordance with load charts, lifting plans, and vessel-specific requirements.
• Support operations across multiple job sites and travel as required to meet operational demands.
• Monitor workflow and adjust operations as needed to maintain productivity and efficiency.
• Identify and report equipment issues, unsafe conditions, or operational delays to Operations leadership.
• Train, mentor, and coach crew members on crane operation, rigging practices, and safety procedures.
• Enforce all company policies, OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, equipment inspections, and safety activities.
• Communicate effectively with vessel personnel, terminal staff, and leadership regarding operational progress and issues.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and operational adjustments of ship’s gear equipment.
• Act as the timekeeping lead for assigned crews, ensuring accurate tracking and approval of employee hours.
• Assist in developing and managing crew schedules based on vessel schedules, cargo type, and operational requirements.
• Review and submit payroll information for assigned personnel in a timely and accurate manner.
• Coordinate with Operations Management and Human Resources on staffing needs, attendance, and schedule adjustments.
• Maintain organized records of timekeeping, attendance, and payroll documentation to support compliance and reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in stevedoring, port operations, or marine terminal environments.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or lead experience in crane, rigging, or cargo handling operations.
• Strong knowledge of crane operations, rigging procedures, and cargo handling practices.
• Ability to read and interpret lifting plans, load charts, and cargo documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on vessel schedules.

Preferred Experience:

• OSHA 30 certification.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or ability to obtain.
• Certifications in rigging, signaling, or crane operation.
• Experience with bulk materials, aggregates, or breakbulk cargo.
• Basic computer skills for reporting, documentation, and communication.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to climb ladders and access vessel cargo holds safely.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy equipment.
• Required use of PPE (hard hat, safety vest, steel‑toe boots) in operational areas.
• Field-based role primarily at port terminals and traveling job sites.
• Exposure to noise, dust, weather, and heavy equipment operations.
• Fast-paced, safety-sensitive environment requiring strong situational awareness and clear communication.
• Irregular hours, travel, and on-call availability based on vessel schedules and operational demands.