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Head Operator Jobs in Mobile, AL (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$40/hr

Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's * Must meet all the physical ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Crane Operator

Mobile, AL · On-site

$40/hr

Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's * Must meet all the physical ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's * Must meet all the physical ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Set dummy bar head size up to proper width required to cast melt practice * Remove head crop and ... Ensure safety of all employees who enter/work in the torch / runout operating area * Visually check ...

Pump Operator - Loxley

Loxley, AL · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

A pump operator typically goes to one or even two different job sites per day. Duties include ... Reaching Frequent reaching, sometimes above head, requiring repetitive motions during an 8-14 hour ...

Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's * Must meet all the physical ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's * Must meet all the physical ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Ship System Operator/Watch Stander I

Mobile, AL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Operator will continuously inspect all spaces to detect and prevent fire hazards, fire, flood ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. * Ability to turn body at the ...

Dockside Sampler

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Serve as the NOAA Fisheries field representative with head boat owners/operators and anglers in the Contractor's assigned sampling area. * Identify and enumerate individual fish to the species level ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Operator information

What are some typical challenges faced by a head operator in managing production teams, and how can they be effectively addressed?

As a Head Operator, common challenges include maintaining consistent production quality, addressing equipment malfunctions promptly, and ensuring effective communication across shifts. Managing a diverse team also requires balancing individual strengths while fostering a collaborative environment. Proactive maintenance scheduling, regular team briefings, and ongoing training initiatives help mitigate these challenges and keep operations running smoothly.

Is being a head operator a stressful job?

Being a head operator can be stressful due to responsibilities such as managing equipment, ensuring safety, and coordinating team activities. The role often requires quick decision-making, attention to detail, and handling high-pressure situations, which can contribute to job stress.

What is a head operator?

Head Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of machinery, equipment, or industrial processes in facilities such as factories, plants, or construction sites. They supervise other operators, ensure safe and efficient workflows, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during operations. Head Operators also coordinate maintenance, enforce safety regulations, and may be involved in training new staff or implementing process improvements. Their leadership ensures that production goals are met while maintaining quality and safety standards.

What is the difference between Head Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in equipment operation and safety trainingUsually needs a high school diploma and on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervises multiple machines or production lines in manufacturing or processing plantsOperates specific machinery in factories, plants, or construction sites
Industry UsageCommonly found in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing industriesWidespread across manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors

The Head Operator oversees multiple machines and manages operational processes, requiring additional certifications and leadership skills. In contrast, the Machine Operator focuses on operating specific equipment with less supervisory responsibility. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but the Head Operator has a broader scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Head Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of operational processes, leadership abilities, and experience in the relevant industry, often supported by vocational training or technical certifications. Familiarity with machinery controls, SCADA systems, safety protocols, and maintenance management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive efficiency and ensure safety. These competencies are crucial for overseeing smooth operations, minimizing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Mobile, AL? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Mobile, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Head Operator jobs in Mobile, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Head Operator jobs in Mobile, AL are:
What cities near Mobile, AL are hiring for Head Operator jobs? Cities near Mobile, AL with the most Head Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Operator job openings in Mobile, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Crane Operator

Austal

Mobile, AL • On-site

$40/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

285th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Now paying up to $40.00/hr

REPORTS TO: Crane and Rigging Manager

SUPERVISES: N/A

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Must be technically proficient in tasks, work processes, and safe equipment operation

  • Accountable for completion of daily work assignments including the completion and signatures for work completion and quality

  • Actively participate in the continuous development of a work environment that is within parameters of industry accepted safety mandated priorities.

  • Must be willing to work any shift

  • Must maintain cleanliness and organization on assigned job sites

  • Must be able select and attach to load proper lifting gear required to safely and efficiently perform duties of crane operation

  • Participate in continuous practical training of less experienced fellow craftsmen

  • May be assigned tasks that are outside the normal craft requirements

  • Must demonstrate the ability to apply practices that satisfy regulatory requirements and/or industry wide established guidelines to carry out instructions or directions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Also will be expected to be able to identify and then resolve small problems which arise while carrying out day-to-day tasks

  • Will conduct daily pre-operational inspection of all machinery including cranes, SPMTs, and forklifts, identifying maintenance needs.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience withSPMT is a plus

  • 3 years minimum work experience as an overhead crane operator in a shipyard environment or similar industry

  • Experience as an operator of vertical lift and telescopic boom F/L's

  • Must meet all the physical requirements specified by ASME B30.2

  • Ability to follow specific instructions and work with limited supervision

  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of equipment used in crane/rigging operations. To include, but not limited to, slings, shackles, clamps, chain hoists, load cells, etc.

  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and utilize load charts

  • Must have a thorough knowledge of USA Standard hand signals

  • Must be able to utilize required personal protective equipment [PPE] as per OSHA standards

  • Must be able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands

  • Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence and memos

  • Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one or small group situations

PREFERENCES:

  • Experience in operating RT/truck cranes

  • Certification as an RT/truck crane operator

  • Experience as a bull rigger

  • Familiarity with load/tension testing processes

  • Experience in programming, configuration, and operation of SPMTs

TOOLS: Will be expected to acquire basic tools on a list to be provided by the Crane/Rigging Manager

DIRECTION EXERCISED: N/A

DISCRETION EXERCISED: N/A

LIAISES WITH: Production Department Supervisors and Foremen, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

  • Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

  • 18 years of age or older at time of application

  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status

  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date

  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date

  • Willing to submit to a drug screen

  • Willing to submit to a background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must be able to satisfy in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

Specific physical requirements include the following:

Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to make use of required tools and equipment in a safely appropriate manner. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged intervals of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to achieve full arm extension while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side, and reaching down. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect to encounter exposure to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee should expect to encounter, on occasion, exposure to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.


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