Job Description:
Job Summary
The Crane Signalman is responsible for safely directing crane operations through the use of standard hand signals, voice commands, and radio communication. This position serves as the primary link between the crane operator and the load during lifting activities and plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant crane operations on construction, industrial, and commercial job sites.
The Signalman must maintain constant awareness of site conditions, load movement, personnel locations, and potential hazards while coordinating lifting activities in accordance with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and industry best practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct crane operators during lifting and hoisting operations using approved hand signals and radio communication.
- Maintain continuous communication with the crane operator to ensure safe load movement.
- Monitor load clearances, travel paths, overhead obstructions, underground hazards, and work area conditions.
- Ensure personnel remain clear of suspended loads and designated exclusion zones.
- Assist in lift planning by identifying potential hazards and operational constraints.
- Verify that crane operators understand and respond correctly to signals before lifts begin.
- Coordinate with riggers, crane operators, lift supervisors, and site personnel during lifting operations.
- Observe load stability and immediately communicate unsafe conditions.
- Issue stop-work signals whenever unsafe conditions exist.
- Assist with crane setup, mobilization, and jobsite preparation activities as required.
- Participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs), pre-lift meetings, and daily safety briefings.
- Inspect communication devices and ensure functional operation before lifts commence.
- Support rigging operations as needed within training and qualification limits.
- Follow all company policies, customer requirements, OSHA regulations, and industry standards.
- Maintain professional communication and customer service while working on client job sites.
Qualifications
Skills:
- Thorough understanding of standard hand signals and radio communication protocols.
- Ability to interpret lift plans and understand crane operating limitations.
- Knowledge of jobsite safety requirements and hazard recognition.
- Ability to remain focused during critical lifts and complex operations.
- Strong teamwork and coordination skills.
- Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and effective during changing jobsite conditions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to recognize potential hazards associated with crane and lifting operations.
- Ability to work safely in a fast-paced construction or industrial environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA Qualified Signalperson certification.
- Previous experience as a signalperson, rigger, crane operator, construction laborer, or heavy equipment worker.
- OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification.
- Experience supporting mobile, crawler, tower, or rough terrain crane operations.
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- NCCCO Signalperson Certification.
- Knowledge of standard crane hand signals and signaling procedures.
- Strong situational awareness and attention to detail.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be able to read, speak, and understand English.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.
- Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly in noisy, large-scale construction environments.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, gloves, and safety footwear.
- Ability to identify hazards from varying distances during lift operations.
Working Conditions
- Sims Crane & Equipment maintains a firm commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees and quality services to its clients. Sims Crane & Equipment is a drug-free workplace. Must be able to pass a post-offer / pre-placement drug screen. Must also submit to a post-offer / pre-employment background report & motor vehicle check.??
- Work is performed in a standard construction environment with prolonged periods of standing, sitting and/or walking. Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 100 pounds at times. May occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme noise and physical harm in areas requiring hard hats, safety glasses and steel-toed safety shoes.??
- Ability to pass DOT pre-placement physical and physical capacities exam.???
Disclaimer: An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.??
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Requirements:
Skills:
- Thorough understanding of standard hand signals and radio communication protocols.
- Ability to interpret lift plans and understand crane operating limitations.
- Knowledge of jobsite safety requirements and hazard recognition.
- Ability to remain focused during critical lifts and complex operations.
- Strong teamwork and coordination skills.
- Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and effective during changing jobsite conditions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
