Apprentice Crane Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Marine Crane Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of cranes on vessels, offshore rigs, or marine terminals. This role ensures the secure lifting, movement, and placement of cargo and equipment while adhering to strict safety protocols and operational standards. The position requires technical expertise, precision, and strong communication skills to coordinate with teams in dynamic marine environments.

Only local applicants will be considered, no relocation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operate marine cranes safely and efficiently, manipulating controls to regulate speed and movement of loads.
• Monitor crane performance and ensure compliance with operational guidelines.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct pre-lift briefings (toolbox talks) and maintain safe exclusion zones.
• Verify rigging and load charts are correctly followed for each lift.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance, including lubrication, cleaning, and function checks.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report any mechanical issues or malfunctions.
• Conduct minor repairs as needed.
• Interpret and execute lift plans, ensuring load weights are within the crane's capacity.
• Assess environmental and operational conditions to confirm safe lifting conditions.
• Communicate with the vessel's bridge, deck crew, and/or rig teams via 2-way radio and visual signals.
• Work collaboratively to ensure smooth and precise lifting operations.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience as a crane operator in marine, offshore, or industrial environments.
• Valid certifications/licenses as required by local or international maritime regulations (e.g., API, OPITO, or equivalent). NCCCO Certification required.
• Knowledge of lifting operations, load charts, and rigging practices.
• Ability to pass required medical and fitness-to-work examinations.
• Friction/Conventional crane experience required.

Education and Experience:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Crane Operation required, Marine experience preferred.
• NCCCO Certification required.

Working Conditions:

• Setting: Work aboard vessels, offshore rigs, and marine ports/terminals.
• Conditions: Exposure to variable weather and sea conditions. Will require rotating shifts, overtime, and extended periods of travel.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in physically demanding environments.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

This position is a Union role - Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3)

Hourly rate is based on current status in OE3 - Fringe Benefit details are additional and not listed below.

OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18

OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18

CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sealaska. We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all our employees. As a subsidiary of a Native-owned company, CS Marine Constructors, Inc. is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, with respect for the cultural traditions in the communities where we operate. CS Marine Constructors, Inc, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. However, preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian Tribe.