Crane & Rigging Specialist

Fermi Inc • Amarillo, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Crane & Rigging Specialist is Fermi America's owner-side authority for crane and rigging operations at Matador. The role plans, reviews, and oversees lifts to ensure 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 has stop-work authority over unsafe lifts.

The role reviews and approves lift plans, verifies load and rigging details, oversees critical lifts, audits crane and rigging equipment and personnel qualifications, and coordinates lifting plans, contractors, logistics, and schedules. It also maintains records in Aconex, investigates incidents and near-misses, tracks corrective actions, and reports on lift activity and crane fleet status.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of experience in crane operations, rigging, or lift planning, including 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, B30.9, B30.20, and B30.26; and ASME P30.1.
• Ability to read load charts, engineering drawings, OEM lifting instructions, and ground bearing studies.
• Proficiency with lift planning software such as 3D Lift Plan, Liebherr LICCON, KranXpert, or equivalent.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Ability to work outdoors in Texas Panhandle conditions, including high winds, extreme heat and cold, and dust.
• Ability to walk frequently on uneven ground; climb ladders, scaffolds, and structures; and work at heights with fall protection.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lb.
• Required PPE includes a hard hat, safety glasses, FR clothing where specified, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and hearing protection.

Nice To Haves

• 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 a related field.
• Familiarity with Aconex, P6, and contractor submittal workflows.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to brief crews, contractors, and management and uphold safety under schedule pressure.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve lift plans for standard and critical lifts in accordance with the site Lifting & Rigging Program.
• Classify critical lifts, including lifts exceeding 75% of rated chart capacity, tandem or multi-crane picks, lifts over occupied or energized areas, personnel-platform lifts, and lifts involving high-value OEM equipment.
• Verify load weights, centers 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 requiring PE-stamped design.
• Conduct periodic audits of pre-lift meetings and Job Hazard Analyses and sign off on 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 the lift plan.
• Verify frequent and periodic crane inspections in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1412 and ASME B30.
• Audit annual third-party crane certifications, load charts, operator aids, site rigging gear inspections, and the color-code and tagging program; remove defective gear from service.
• Verify operator certification and qualified rigger and signal person status before work starts.
• Deliver or coordinate rigging and signal-person training for craft and contractor crews.
• 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 the P6 schedule, OEM field representatives, laydown areas, and heavy-haul logistics.
• Maintain lift plans, inspection records, and certifications in Aconex.
• Investigate and report crane- or rigging-related near-misses and incidents and track corrective actions.
• Report weekly on completed lifts, upcoming critical lifts, and crane fleet status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed