Location: Woodville, TX
Department: Wood Yard
Reports To: Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
The Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of overhead, tower, or mobile cranes used to move biomass material, logs, equipment, and other heavy loads within the facility or terminal. This role is essential to maintaining continuous material flow to support pellet production or vessel loading. The operator must have a strong understanding of crane controls, load capacities, and safety procedures in an industrial environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Crane Operation
- Operate cranes to lift, move, position, and place raw materials such as logs, chips, or equipment as directed.
- Monitor crane operation to ensure proper function, load balance, and adherence to load limits.
- Utilize hand signals, radios, or other communication tools to coordinate lifts with ground crews or other operators.
- Perform daily equipment inspections, including rigging checks, brakes, cables, and safety devices.
Material Handling and Support
- Safely load and unload material from trucks, railcars, or storage areas as needed.
- Ensure accurate and efficient placement of material to support production schedules and inventory organization.
- Assist with general woodyard or terminal operations during non-crane duties as required.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all company and OSHA safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), fall protection, and PPE requirements.
- Maintain awareness of surroundings and personnel to prevent incidents or near-misses.
- Report all unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns immediately to supervision.
Documentation and Communication
- Log daily operational hours, inspections, maintenance concerns, and material moved.
- Communicate clearly with shift supervisors, control room operators, and fellow team members to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Support housekeeping and minor preventative maintenance tasks around the crane operating area.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of 2 years of crane operation experience in an industrial, construction, forestry, or port setting preferred.
- Valid crane certification or license as required by applicable laws and company standards.
- Strong knowledge of crane controls, rigging techniques, load charts, and operational limits.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with industrial equipment.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed outdoors or in elevated, enclosed crane cabs with exposure to dust, noise, weather, and movement of heavy equipment and material.
- Requires sitting for extended periods, climbing into/out of crane cabs, and operating foot/hand controls.
- Must be able to work at heights, in all weather conditions, and wear required PPE at all times.
- May require rotating shifts, weekends, nights, and overtime based on production or vessel schedules.
Note: The responsibilities outlined above are a summary and may be subject to modification. Other duties may be assigned as required to meet business and operational needs. The Crane Operator will be assigned a specific shift and must work during the designated hours for best performance.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
