Crane Operations Foreman

Position Summary

Parker Towing Company is seeking an experienced Crane Operations Foreman to support and lead daily terminal operations at our Ashland City, Tennessee facility. This hands-on leadership position emphasizes crane operations, cargo handling, crew supervision, and safe execution of lifting activities.

The Crane Operations Foreman serves as a key link between the Port Manager and the terminal operations crew. This position coordinates daily work assignments, directs employees during loading and unloading operations, ensures safe and efficient crane operations, monitors equipment and rigging conditions, and helps maintain productivity and operational standards throughout the facility.

The successful candidate will have significant experience operating cranes in an industrial, marine terminal, construction, heavy equipment, or similar environment and prior experience leading crews or supervising employees. The Foreman is expected to lead from the field and will regularly operate cranes and other terminal equipment as operational needs require.
Work schedules may vary based on vessel, barge, truck, cargo, and customer requirements and may include overtime, weekends, holidays, and occasional work at other Parker Towing facilities

Essential Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary crane operator for the Ashland City terminal, safely loading and unloading barges, trucks, and storage areas.
• Perform and oversee crane lifts involving steel, bulk materials, project cargo, and other commodities.
• Perform and oversee barge loading, unloading, and cleaning activities, including preparation of barges for cargo operations.
• Assist with barge positioning, line handling, securing barges, and other marine terminal activities.
• Inspect cranes, rigging, and lifting equipment before use and ensure equipment is safe and ready for operation.
• Select and properly use slings, chains, hooks, spreader bars, and other rigging based on the load and lifting conditions.
• Direct and coordinate cargo handlers and equipment operators supporting crane and terminal operations.
• Assign daily work and provide hands-on leadership to the terminal crew based on operational and customer needs.
• Ensure employees follow proper lifting procedures, hand signals, radio communications, safety requirements, and terminal operating practices.
• Operate forklifts, front-end loaders, skid steers, and other terminal equipment as needed.
• Coordinate the safe staging, securing, storage, and movement of cargo throughout the terminal.
• Assist with barge positioning, line handling, truck loading and unloading, and other terminal activities.
• Lead pre-shift meetings, toolbox talks, and job briefings and assist with employee training.
• Monitor crew performance and address safety, productivity, attendance, or operational concerns in coordination with the Port Manager.
• Identify and report equipment issues, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, spills, and cargo damage.
• Assist the Port Manager with daily planning, staffing, scheduling, equipment needs, and overall terminal operations.
• Maintain safe and organized work areas and perform additional operational or leadership duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

This position requires approximately 40% travel and the ability to travel between Parker Towing Ports & Terminals facilities throughout Tennessee and Alabama. Travel is an essential function of the position and will primarily involve providing crane operating support for emergency situations, staffing needs, equipment coverage, and other operational requirements.

The Crane Operations Foreman must be willing and able to travel on short notice when necessary. Travel may include overnight stays and work outside the employees’ regular Ashland City schedule.

Requirements

• Significant crane operating experience in a marine terminal, industrial, construction, or heavy-equipment environment.
• Prior foreman, crew lead, supervisory, or similar operational leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of crane operations, rigging, lifting practices, load control, and safe material handling.
• Ability to lead employees while remaining actively involved in day-to-day crane and terminal operations.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% throughout Tennessee and Alabama, including short-notice and overnight travel when operationally necessary.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and varying start and end times.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between company facilities.
• Must live within 50 miles of the assigned port or be willing to relocate within the required distance.
• Ability to work safely in an outdoor marine and industrial environment.