Crane Operator

Rigging / Crane Operator

Location: Richmond, VA (Carolina Ave.)

Pay: $20.00–$25.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday–Friday (Overtime as needed)

Rigging / Crane Operator

Kodiak is seeking a safety-focused Rigging / Crane Operator to support our manufacturing and fabrication operations. This role is responsible for safely operating overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging equipment to move large fabricated assemblies, pipe spools, pipe bundles, and other heavy materials throughout the shop.

The ideal candidate has experience with rigging, crane operations, forklift operation, load balancing, and safely handling oversized or unbalanced loads in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate overhead cranes and forklifts to transport materials throughout the fabrication shop.
• Rig, lift, rotate, and position large fabricated assemblies using proper lifting techniques.
• Lift and transport pipe bundles, pipe spools, structural steel, and other heavy materials.
• Position pipe and fabricated assemblies at welding stations for production.
• Load and unload trailers using cranes and forklifts.
• Safely handle long, oversized, and unbalanced loads while maintaining proper load control.
• Inspect slings, chains, hooks, lifting devices, and rigging equipment before use.
• Calculate and verify proper weight distribution and center of gravity before each lift.
• Follow lift plans and communicate effectively with welders, fabricators, and production personnel.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety procedures.
• Perform daily inspections of cranes, forklifts, and lifting equipment.
• Report equipment defects or unsafe conditions immediately.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating overhead cranes, forklifts, or rigging equipment.
• Experience moving large fabricated assemblies, pipe, steel, or industrial materials.
• Strong understanding of rigging practices, load balancing, and weight distribution.
• Experience handling oversized and irregular loads safely.
• Ability to read load charts and determine safe lifting practices.
• Experience using chains, slings, shackles, spreader bars, and other rigging hardware.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing or fabrication environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• NCCCO Crane Operator Certification (preferred but not required)
• Forklift Certification
• Signal Person and Rigger Certification
• Experience in structural steel, pipe fabrication, or mechanical construction
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb throughout the workday.
• Comfortable working around heavy industrial equipment and moving machinery.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.