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Mobile Harbor Crane Operator
Job SummaryTITLE Mobile Harbor Crane Operator DEPARTMENT Harbor Master’s Office CLASSIFICATION Manual Technical Employee – MT4 WAGE/SALARY $24.49 / hour CLOSING DATE
The Mobile Harbor Crane Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating the Port’s mobile harbor cranes for the movement, loading, and unloading of cargo, including containers, bulk materials, and general cargo. This crane includes a telescopic spreader bar for handling containers, a dual scoop motor grab, and a polyp-grab with a hydraulic unit. This position also performs routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to ensure safe crane operation and compliance with all applicable safety standards. Work is performed primarily on the public docks of the Port of Brownsville and requires strict adherence to operational, safety, and environmental procedures.
Job Responsibilities- Operate mobile harbor cranes for the handling of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo, using attachments such as a telescopic spreader bar, dual scoop motor grab, and polyp-grab with hydraulic unit.
- Conduct daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections, checking safety devices, mechanical functions, and fluid levels.
- Perform and document routine preventative maintenance tasks, including lubrication, cleaning, and minor adjustments, and report defects or required repairs.
- Ensure crane operations comply with OSHA, ANSI, Coast Guard, and Port safety regulations.
- Communicate effectively with signalers, stevedores, vessel crews, and other Port personnel during crane operations.
- Maintain accurate logs of crane usage, inspections, and maintenance.
- Assist in securing and preparing the crane for adverse weather conditions.
- Support cargo handling operations by following load charts, lift plans, and safety protocols to prevent overloading.
- Work variable schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, with overtime as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support port operations.
Minimum Qualifications- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience operating a 30+ ton crane in port, construction, or industrial settings.
- Hands-on experience with computerized crane controls and/or computerized diagnostics for heavy equipment.
- Knowledge of crane load charts, rigging practices, and safe lifting operations.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions, including hand signals.
- Ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the general public.
- Physical ability to perform manual tasks requiring strength, endurance, climbing, and working outdoors under variable weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) or equivalent certification.
- Previous port or maritime cargo-handling experience.
Work Conditions & Physical Demands- Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, dust, noise, and exhaust.
- Medium physical effort, including prolonged sitting in crane cabin (up to 8 continuous hours), standing, walking, and lifting objects up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access crane cabins at elevated heights.
- Tolerance for working in confined spaces, at heights, and around heavy equipment.
- Frequent interaction with the public, vessel crews, and port users.
Additional Requirements- Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
- Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening, physical examination, and background investigation.
- Subject to random drug and alcohol testing under federal regulations for safety-sensitive positions.
The above duties may not be performed in every position with the title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed. -
Skilled Craftsman
Job SummaryTITLE Skilled Craftsman DEPARTMENT Facilities Maintenance CLASSIFICATION Manual Technical Employee – MT4 WAGE/SALARY $ 19.35 per hour ($40,248 annually) This position is a highly experienced role responsible for performing advanced work across multiple trades, including construction, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, welding, fabrication, plumbing, painting, auto mechanics, and heavy equipment maintenance. The employee must have hands-on experience in building construction, including framing, cement work, roofing, drywall, and mechanical repairs. This position requires the ability to read and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and construction plans to complete diverse projects with accuracy. The Skilled Craftsman works independently and is expected to maintain Port facilities in safe, functional, and reliable conditions.
Comparable roles in industry may include Mechanic, Electrician, HVAC Technician, Carpenter, or Welder.
Job Responsibilities Maintenance & Repair- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and structural systems.
- Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on HVAC, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure.
- Repair and maintain motor vehicles, facility machinery, and heavy equipment (e.g., graders, loaders, backhoes, excavators).
- Inspect, maintain, and repair building systems, including doors, windows, floors, roofs, walls, and foundations.
- Perform construction tasks such as cement work, framing, drywall installation and finishing, roofing, and painting.
- Fabricate and install metal components using welding, cutting, and precision fabrication tools.
- Construct, repair, or remodel facilities, including cabinetry, shelving, and built structures.
- Complete finish work such as plastering, tiling, caulking, and surface preparation.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and specifications.
- Safely operate power tools, hand tools, welding equipment, and heavy machinery.
- Use precision instruments to measure, cut, align, and assemble materials accurately.
- Plan, prioritize, and complete projects independently; may assign and oversee work of helpers.
- Maintain records of work performed, parts used, and time spent on assignments.
- Respond to emergency situations during and outside normal hours to restore safe operations.
- Follow Port safety protocols and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of three (3) years of documented experience across multiple trades (e.g., carpentry, cement work, construction, framing, roofing, plumbing, drywall, or painting).
- Two (2) years of HVAC training or equivalent certification and experience preferred.
- Three (3) years of experience in electrical construction, industrial maintenance, or a related technical field preferred.
- Proficiency in:
- Precision measuring instruments and diagnostic tools
- AC/DC welding equipment
- Power and hand tools for construction and repair work
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and blueprints.
- Strong troubleshooting and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to perform complex assignments requiring independent judgment.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, loaders, and graders.
- Effective communication skills with ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Knowledge of safety practices related to manual labor, mechanized equipment, and PPE.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Certifications in multiple trades, such as HVAC, electrical systems, welding, carpentry, or plumbing.
- OSHA or other recognized safety certifications.
- Experience working in large-scale industrial or public-sector facilities.
- Regular exposure to outdoor environments including heat, cold, dust, wind, and industrial hazards.
- Exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
- Requires physical stamina with frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to climb ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces as needed.
- May involve use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and fall-protection gear.
- Frequent interaction with coworkers, vendors, contractors, and members of the public.
- Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s
- Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
