Contract Crane Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

The Crane Operator at Underwater Mechanix, Inc. (UMX) is responsible for the safe, skilled, and compliant operation of lattice boom, hydraulic, and/or crane barge equipment in support of marine construction and waterfront project operations. This role requires a high level of technical proficiency, situational awareness, and adherence to rigorous lift planning and safety protocols in dynamic marine environments. The Crane Operator works directly with riggers, divers, and construction crews to execute precision lifts including pile driving, heavy material placement, and underwater operations support. This person is a team player with a positive outlook and attitude. They are patient with sharp attention skills and safety always attitude. If you have experience working with government projects then you know that you will need adaptive mindset and skills in patience, listening and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Crane Operations
• Operate lattice boom crawler cranes, hydraulic cranes, and/or crane barge-mounted cranes in the performance of marine construction lifts and pile driving operations.
• Execute lifts in strict accordance with approved Lift Plans, crane load charts, and site-specific rigging plans; never exceed rated capacity under any operating condition.
• Perform pile driving operations including leads, hammer setup, and pile placement in coordination with the Field Superintendent and rigging crew.
• Maintain continuous two-way communication with signalers, riggers, and the Superintendent during all lift operations.
• Pre-Operation & Safety
• Perform thorough pre-shift inspections per manufacturer requirements, ASME B30.5, and OSHA 1926.1412; document findings and report deficiencies before operating.
• Verify that all required Lift Plans, rigging certifications, and load chart documentation are available before commencing any critical or engineered lift.
• Operate the crane in full compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, ASME B30.5, and all applicable federal and contract-specific crane safety requirements
• Immediately cease operations and notify the Superintendent if any unsafe condition, equipment deficiency, or load anomaly is observed.
• Comply with all requirements for work near power lines, over water, and in proximity to dive operations
• Equipment Care & Documentation
• Maintain the crane in clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted operating condition; perform operator-level maintenance per the operator manual.
• Complete and submit daily crane inspection logs, pre-shift inspection records, and any incident reports accurately and on time

Minimum Qualifications

• NCCCO Certified Crane Operator (CCO) — Lattice Boom Crawler (LBC) and/or Hydraulic Boom Crane (HBC); certification must be current and valid.
• Minimum of 5 years of crane operating experience in a marine construction, waterfront construction, or heavy civil environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating cranes on waterfront projects, over water, or in proximity to dive operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, ASME B30.5, and critical lift planning

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and federal installation access
• Willingness to travel to project sites nationwide and at OCONUS locations.
• Experience operating crane barge-mounted or marine pedestal cranes.
• Pile driving experience — operation of leads, hammer setup, and driving assistance.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.
• Rigging certification (NCCCO Rigger Level II or equivalent).
• Experience on NAVFAC, USACE, or USCG federal construction projects.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to climb into and out of crane cab equipment, perform pre-shift inspections that may require climbing ladders and inspecting equipment at height, and lift up to 50 lbs. Good depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to remain alert during extended lift operations are essential.

What We Offer:

• 9 paid holidays
• Vacation, Sick and Bereavement pay
• PPE as required: Work Boots, Safety Vest, Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, PFD, etc.
• Employer pays 75% of premium payments, Available after 60 days of employment.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
• 401k + match up to 3%
• $25,000 Life Insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Underwater Mechanix Services (UMX) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

UMX is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Applicants who require an accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources.

Employment Requirements

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, verification of employment eligibility, reference verification, and any position-specific licensing, certification, or security requirements permitted by law. UMX participates in E-Verify and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

Compensation Transparency

Where required by applicable law, UMX provides a good-faith salary or hourly wage range in its job postings. Compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, education, skills, certifications, geographic location, and business needs.