Heavy Equipment/ Crane Operator

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment / Crane Operator to support facility maintenance, equipment replacement, material handling, logistics, rigging operations, and crane lifting activities involving existing facilities and equipment in Newport, Rhode Island. This position requires safe and effective operation of hydraulic and lattice boom cranes, primarily Category 1 and Category 4 equipment, with lifting capacities of up to 80 tons.

The ideal candidate will possess strong crane operation and rigging knowledge, a working understanding of NAVFAC P-307 requirements, and the ability to execute precision lifts safely in congested or restricted work areas. This role requires sound judgment, coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with the Rigger in Charge (RIC) and other members of the rigging team.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Operate hydraulic and lattice boom cranes to safely lift, move, position, load, and unload heavy materials and equipment.
• Perform precision lifts in restricted or congested areas where accurate load placement and maneuverability are essential.
• Operate cranes with lifting capacities of up to 80 tons, primarily Category 1 and Category 4 equipment.
• Load and unload materials from trucks and transport equipment between work sites.
• Set up and remove ship gangways and assist with lifting ship equipment, sonar equipment, machinery, pumps, motors, HVAC equipment, facility support equipment, and other heavy objects.
• Support facility maintenance activities by lifting and positioning pumps, chillers, air conditioning units, boilers, safes, and other equipment.
• Interpret crane load charts and evaluate lifting capacity, boom positioning, clearances, load weight, and load travel routes.
• Conduct pre-operation and visual inspections of cranes and related equipment to identify deficiencies and ensure safe operating conditions.
• Coordinate with the Rigger in Charge (RIC) during pre-lift briefings and follow established hand signals, voice commands, bell signals, and two-way radio instructions.
• Monitor changing conditions during lifting operations and make appropriate adjustments to boom positioning and load placement.
• Identify and control potential safety hazards, including damaged or overloaded rigging equipment and unauthorized personnel within designated lift areas.
• Assist with rigging operations and coordinate with crew members to complete complex lifting and material-handling assignments.
• Operate other specialized equipment as assigned, potentially including forklifts, dump trucks, trash trucks, snowplows, tow trucks, fuel equipment, and buses.
• Perform rigging crew duties when crane operating workload is limited.

Rigging and Heavy Equipment Responsibilities

• Support complex lifting and rigging operations in confined spaces, including ship passageways, engine rooms, and machine shops.
• Evaluate load size, shape, weight, balance, travel routes, overhead supports, obstacles, and surrounding conditions to determine appropriate lifting methods.
• Select and use appropriate rigging equipment, including beam clamps, pad eyes, chain falls, wire rope slings, shackles, hooks, turnbuckles, and other lifting hardware.
• Perform and assist with rigging inspections, assembly, repair, certification support, and maintenance of wire rope splicing, rope assemblies, lifting slings, nets, boat falls, and related equipment.
• Operate specialized rigging and material-handling equipment, including hydraulic presses, diesel-powered winches, forklifts, and cargo trucks.
• Assist with mooring operations and the movement, staging, and transfer of anchors, chains, buoys, blocks, and related materials.
• Properly handle, contain, store, and dispose of hazardous materials, including paints and solvents.

Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Licensure and Certification:
  • Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for on- and off-base driving
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Class A CDL within six months of the start date
  • Valid crane operator medical card
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid Government operator license for each type of equipment operated, in accordance with NAVFAC P-307 requirements
  • Must successfully complete the NAVFAC P-307 40-hour crane safety course with a minimum passing score of 70%
  • Must complete the required eight-hour crane safety refresher training every two years, with a minimum passing score of 70%
  • Must pass an operational proficiency examination and performance qualification test for each crane type requiring a Government operator license
  • Government-provided training and licensing examinations are required for applicable crane operations

• Required Experience:
  • Demonstrated experience operating cranes and heavy equipment in industrial, shipyard, or facilities environments

• Required Skill and Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of crane operation, lifting procedures, and rigging safety requirements
  • Working knowledge of NAVFAC P-307 crane operation and rigging requirements
  • Ability to operate crane controls, including clutches, levers, brakes, accelerators, and hoist systems
  • Ability to interpret crane load charts and make sound decisions regarding load weights, lifting capacities, boom positioning, and clearances
  • Ability to understand and follow Rigger in Charge (RIC) hand signals, bell signals, voice commands, and radio communications
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a rigging team and coordinate lifting activities with other personnel

• Working Conditions:
  • Ability to make complex lifting and rigging decisions while maintaining a strong focus on safety
  • Ability to remain alert, maintain concentration, and coordinate crane movements accurately during precision lifting operations
  • Knowledge of the proper handling and use of rigging gear and lifting equipment
  • Sufficient mathematical and physics knowledge to calculate weights, stresses, strengths, and mechanical advantage
  • Ability to work safely in areas with limited maneuvering space, obstacles, overhead structures, and surrounding equipment
  • May be required to operate various vehicles and specialized equipment within the Equipment Operations Branch

• Additional Position Responsibilities
  • Ability to make complex lifting and rigging decisions while maintaining a strong focus on safety
  • Ability to remain alert, maintain concentration, and coordinate crane movements accurately during precision lifting operations
  • Knowledge of the proper handling and use of rigging gear and lifting equipment.
  • Sufficient mathematical and physics knowledge to calculate weights, stresses, strengths, and mechanical advantage
  • Ability to work safely in areas with limited maneuvering space, obstacles, overhead structures, and surrounding equipment
  • May be required to operate various vehicles and specialized equipment within the Equipment Operations Branch

About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:

Owned by the Native Village of Eyak (NVE), a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies are a collection of entities that deliver a complementary set of solutions and services to support the diverse missions and requirements of our clients. Proud participants of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program since 2006, our companies consist of both current and graduation SBA 8(a) entities. It is our collective purpose to support the Tribe and diversify the NVE’s ability to facilitate economic advancement.

The income generated from our companies helps the Native Village of Eyak fund health and social services, economic development, natural resource/environmental education, jobs, job training, and other benefits to the NVE in a manner that is consistent with Alaskan Native cultural values and traditions.

Copper River’s Culture

The Copper River Family of Companies has a positive, supportive, and thriving culture. At the foundation of our culture is a focus on collaboration. No matter your role or which operating company you work for, we are ONE TEAM working toward the same goals for our customers and for our collective owner- The Native Village of Eyak. How we treat each other is just as important as the work we deliver.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
• Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
• Retirement 401(k) with employer match
• Open leave policy and paid holidays
• Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more! 

Note: Benefits are offered based on employment classification and applicable contract requirements. Eligibility may vary by position.

Disclaimer:

The Copper River Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.