Crane Operator (Day Shift)

Crane Operator

To handle customer material throughout the galvanizing process with the use of an overhead bridge crane at a level sufficient to support daily production goals.

This position, Crane Operator will be responsible for operation of the overhead bridge cranes. Working with any number of others in this position preparing the material for the galvanizing process. Crane Operators will move the material through the galvanizing process and return it for post-galvanizing clean up. The incumbent will also perform the preparation of material for galvanizing and the post galvanizing clean-up of materials. And direct the work of material handlers performing the kettle skimming procedure. This position reports to, and performs duties as directed by, the Asst. Crew leader position.

The incumbent must work as a team member with any number of other Material Handlers, Crane Operators, Equipment Operators, and Crew Leaders. Inter-communication and interaction is continuously ongoing to coordinate the physical movement of material. Communications must be non-offensive and maintain respect for others to promote and build the teams cooperation.

Skills

Ability to count, add, multiply, divide, and subtract whole numbers. Read work instructions and training materials. Write and complete forms such as dip sheets and move tags. Prefer high school education or better. Must be able to pass eye test for a Nebraska driver's license.

Required reading, writing, the addition and subtraction of whole numbers. Must understand completely the level of quality expected, as established by the Crew Leader. Must understand the hot dip galvanizing process and must complete crane operator training. Training may also include forklift operation. Equipment Operated includes overhead bridge cranes, forklift, motorized pallet jack, torch set, use of metal files and portable grinders to remove zinc drippings and build-up from material in post galvanizing clean up. The use of pliers and wire cutters.

Effort

The incumbent will spend 60% of his / her time standing and walking using radio control or pendant control for crane operation. The other 40% of the time will be standing, kneeling, bending, and lifting parts or fixtures weighing from 25 to 50 pounds.

Must display an aptitude for problem solving and the ability to plan for or around future needs or problems. Must know the quality requirements for all custom galvanizing customers. Continual visual inspection of all parts processed to assure an acceptable level of quality. Continual visual inspection is required of all production racks / fixturing / chains to assure no unsafe conditions exist. Ongoing analysis of every dip to determine best possible procedure for pickling / dipping each load. This is especially critical to custom work and engineered product lines where potential quality and safety problems need to be identified in advance.

Responsibility

Typical loss due to improper operation of bridge crane would average $4,000 per incident, plus any costs associated with lost productivity due to down time. Damage to tank walls or heat exchangers due to improper crane operation would typically run $4,000 per incident. Damage to production fixtures due to improper crane operations would typically run $250 per incident. Damage to chemical make-up due to improper crane operation would typically run several thousand dollars. Under normal operating conditions with competent operators, there is even probability that losses will occur.

Losses due to mismanagement of the galvanizing process are difficult to define, but will occur continuously even under the best conditions. Solution contamination, chemical losses, and excessive zinc pickup will all result if proper galvanizing procedures are not followed. There is a high probability of picking up more zinc than is desired / needed if proper procedures are not followed, with costs averaging up to $100 per dip made in the zinc bath. Through the continual attention to proper operating procedures, the Galvanizing Skill Level 3 will be instrumental in the minimizing of damage to product due to careless or improper practices. If the job is not performed properly, there is a very high possibility of damage to the product, such as dented pipe, over pickled material, lost parts, bent or mutilated parts, and improperly prepared steel. Typical cost per incident would average $400.

Expect active participation in department safety, exhibit excellent safety practices and behaviors and follows the intended purposes of Valmont safety policies and procedures. In case of failure to adhere to safety practices the employee will be subject to disciplinary action including discharge. May include checking fixturing, venting, draining, rigging, and safety of other employees in area. Each employee is responsible for the general knowledge of site chemical hazards and general site emergency procedures to include notification and evacuation routing and signals. Must be familiar with the site emergency plan.

Job Conditions

The nature of the industry results in heat in the summer (typically 10-15 degrees above outdoor temperature), and melting snow off of incoming results in damp, cold working conditions in the winter. The average employee dresses to be comfortable while doing his / her assigned task and in doing so, subjects him / herself to chilling and cold as large fluctuations in temperature are brought about by the moving of material in and out of the facility.

Required safety equipment includes steel-toe boots with metatarsal guards, safety glasses, gloves, protective jackets, hardhats, and face shields. Will have to fight fog in process tank area due to the hot tanks and cold air in the winter time, and will be exposed to high humidity in the summer months.

Pinch points, suspended loads, working with heavy / awkward material, slips and trip hazards, working from elevated platforms / ladders, forklift traffic, and overhead crane movement. Exposure to chemicals, vapors, fumes, and molten zinc.

Line of Promotion

No direct line of promotion. May utilize the Open Position Opportunity Program.

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following :

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.