Crane & Rigging Specialist

Description

Role overview

The Crane & Rigging Specialist is Fermi America's owner-side authority for every crane and rigging operation at Matador. The role plans, reviews and oversees lifts so heavy equipment is set safely, on schedule and without damage.

Key lifts include relocated GE Frame 6B gas turbine and generator packages, Siemens SGT-800 units, HRSG modules, step-up and substation transformers, and large tanks and piping spools. The specialist works with EPC contractors, crane rental firms and OEM field representatives, and holds stop-work authority over any unsafe lift.

Key responsibilities

Lift planning and engineering review

• Review and approve lift plans for standard and critical lifts per the site Lifting & Rigging Program.

• Classify critical lifts: over 75% of rated chart capacity, multi-crane or tandem picks, lifts over occupied or energized areas, personnel platforms, and high-value OEM equipment.

• Verify load weights, center of gravity, rigging configurations, ground bearing pressure and crane mat design against OEM data and engineered drawings.

• Coordinate with engineering on lifting lugs, spreader bars, and temporary works that need PE-stamped design.

Field oversight

• Conduct periodic audits of pre-lift meetings and Job Hazard Analyses; sign off lift permits.

• Observe critical lifts in person and monitor wind, weather and exclusion zones.

• Exercise stop-work authority when conditions, equipment or personnel do not meet plan.

Equipment and rigging inspection

• Verify frequent and periodic crane inspections per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1412 and ASME B30.

• Audit annual third-party crane certifications, load charts, and operator aids.

• Audit site rigging gear inspections and the color-code and tagging program; remove defective gear from service.

Personnel qualification

• Verify operator certification (NCCCO or equivalent), qualified rigger and qualified signal person status before work starts.

• Deliver or coordinate rigging and signal person training for craft and contractor crews.

Contractor and vendor coordination

• Review contractor lifting plans and crane mobilization submittals.

• Support procurement on crane rental scope, heavy-haul and set contracts, and rigging equipment purchases.

• Coordinate lift windows with P6 schedule, OEM field reps, laydown and heavy-haul logistics.

Documentation and reporting

• Maintain lift plans, inspection records and certifications in Aconex.

• Investigate and report near-misses and incidents involving cranes or rigging; track corrective actions.

• Report weekly on lifts completed, upcoming critical lifts and crane fleet status.

Requirements

Required qualifications

• 10+ years in crane operations, rigging or lift planning; at least 5 years on heavy industrial, power generation or refinery construction.

• Current NCCCO Rigger Level II and NCCCO Signalperson certifications.

• Demonstrated experience planning and directing critical lifts above 100 tons, including tandem and multi-crane picks.

• Working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, ASME B30.5 (mobile cranes), B30.9 (slings), B30.20 (below-the-hook devices), B30.26 (rigging hardware), and ASME P30.1 (lift planning).

• Ability to read load charts, engineering drawings, OEM lifting instructions and ground bearing studies.

• Proficiency with lift planning software (3D Lift Plan, Liebherr LICCON, KranXpert or equivalent).

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction.

• Valid driver's license; ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred qualifications and skills

• NCCCO Lift Director and/or Mobile Crane Operator (TLL/TSS/LBC) certification.

• Experience setting gas turbines, generators, HRSG modules or large power transformers, including OEM-witnessed sets.

• Heavy-haul, jacking-and-skidding, gantry and SPMT experience.

• Owner's representative or third-party oversight experience on EPC projects.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering or related field.

• Familiarity with Aconex, P6 and contractor submittal workflows.

• Clear communicator who can brief crews, contractors and management, and hold the line on safety under schedule pressure.

Working conditions and physical requirements

• Outdoor construction site with Texas Panhandle weather: high winds, extreme heat and cold, dust.

• Frequent walking on uneven ground; climbing ladders, scaffolds and structures; working at heights with fall protection.

• Lift and carry up to 50 lb.

• Required PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, FR clothing where specified, steel-toe boots, hi-vis, gloves and hearing protection.

• Overtime, weekend and night work during critical lift windows.

Performance measures

• Zero recordable incidents or dropped loads from crane and rigging work.

• 100% of critical lifts with an approved lift plan and permit before the pick.

• 100% of operators, riggers and signal persons verified qualified before work.

• Crane and rigging inspection records current and audit-ready in Aconex.

• Critical lifts executed within the planned P6 window.