Position Title: Mobile Crane Operator
Location: St. Catharines, ON – reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Ontario Shipyards
Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.
The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy – where water meets mettle.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Hoisting Superintendent, the Mobile Crane Operator moves, positions, or places goods and equipment throughout the shipyard, as well as loading and unloading materials from all ships, barges, and docksides. Unlike standard construction hoisting jobs, our marine environment requires operators to work directly on-site, navigating specialized lifts around active ships, dry docks, and fabrication shops daily. Your main goal is to ensure maximum operational efficiency and flawless load positioning while managing the unique physical constraints and strict safety standards of a working vessel repair yard.
Key Responsibilities
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Ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance in all crane operations and rigging activities.
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Conduct comprehensive pre-operational inspections to verify equipment is in safe working condition and fully compliant with operational standards.
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Operate a variety of crawler mobile cranes and friction cranes to lift, move, position, or place equipment and materials in a safe and timely manner.
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Calculate crane capacities, radii, and exact load weights to safely prepare for rigging and hoisting, including managing tarping, strapping, and load distribution calculations.
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Conduct routine preventative maintenance on cranes and promptly initiate maintenance repair requests when necessary.
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Communicate effectively with supervisors, signalers, and yard crews to coordinate lifts, precisely follow instructions, and ensure site safety using hand signals, radios, and other communication devices.
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Work with production workers and trade crews daily to find out their equipment and material handling needs for the day and minimize operational downtime.
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Execute all other hoisting duties and special tasks requested or assigned by management.
Qualifications & Experience
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Must hold a valid Red Seal Trade Certification Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 1 (339A).
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3 to 5 years of technical, hands-on mobile crane operation experience, ideally within a marine yard, heavy industrial plant, or steel fabrication environment.
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Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving abstract.
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Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
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Comfort and physical capability to fulfill demanding tasks in a rugged shipyard environment, with a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions year-round.
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Demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent spatial awareness, and the ability to follow intricate hoisting instructions precisely.
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Flexibility and ability to work at both of our regional facility locations (Hamilton and St. Catharines) as operationally required.
Equipment Profile
In this role, you will operate a variety of cranes used throughout the shipyard. This includes, but is not limited to, the following models:
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Friction Model Machines – 1979 Linkbelt LS 518
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Linkbelt Hylab 348 – 300 TON
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Linkbelt Hylab 348 – 200 TON
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Grove RT 540E
Please Note: Specialized training will be provided for certified operators who are unfamiliar with friction cranes.
What We Offer
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Competitive pay based on skills and experience
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Comprehensive health benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependents
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RRSP matching program and Health Spending Account (HSA)
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Paid vacation time and statutory holidays
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Discounts on Safety Boots & Safety Glasses
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Opportunities for professional development and specialized shipyard training
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On-site parking
This job posting is for an active, immediate vacancy. Every application is reviewed individually by a member of our human recruitment team; we do not use AI or automated computer systems to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We prohibit discrimination and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
