Crane Operator

Role Overview

This position centers on the safe, precise operation of overhead cranes with lifting capacities between 1.5 and 10 tons within a busy lakeside aquaculture facility. Beyond day-to-day lifting duties, you will be actively involved in setting up and dismantling the crane system, performing daily mechanical checks, and coordinating with the logistics team to keep material flow moving without interruption. Your ability to follow strict safety protocols and communicate effectively with riggers and supervisors directly supports the plant’s operational continuity and the well-being of everyone on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate overhead cranes (1.5–10 ton capacity) and related lifting gear to move products, equipment, and raw materials, confirming load weight, rigging setup, travel path, and hand signals before every lift.
• Work alongside the Lake Logistics team to assemble, position, and take down cranes on site, checking anchoring, alignment, and rigging integrity prior to any lifting activity.
• Conduct thorough pre-start and end-of-shift inspections covering cable wear, hydraulic hoses, fluid levels, greasing points, bolt tension, hook and sling condition, and overall machine cleanliness, documenting results in the daily log and reporting any safety-relevant faults immediately.
• Move materials to assigned storage or staging locations, stack loads securely and efficiently, and reconcile quantities of incoming, transferred, or outgoing items against paperwork.
• Follow all lifting-operation and HSE policies, Safe Work Procedures, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) rules, and housekeeping standards, halting work without hesitation whenever conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Maintain clear, concise communication with the Lake Logistics Supervisor, fellow operators, and riggers regarding lift plans, schedules, priorities, and load assignments using standard hand signals and radio protocols.
• Assist with special projects, planned maintenance shutdowns, and additional tasks assigned by the supervisor as operational needs arise.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a Mean Grade of D+ or higher, or an equivalent recognized qualification.
• At least two years of verifiable hands-on experience operating overhead cranes in the 1.5-ton to 10-ton range within an industrial, marine, or aquaculture setting.
• Minimum two years of experience operating forklifts or lift trucks during active loading and unloading operations.
• Valid Crane Operator / Overhead Lifting-Equipment Operator certification from a recognized institution or regulatory authority.
• Ability to read and apply load charts, rigging tables, and manufacturer safe-operating limits.
• Demonstrated capability to operate a Gantry Max lifting system.
• Prior experience in marine, lakeside, or large-scale aquaculture environments is preferred.
• Basic mechanical knowledge sufficient to spot hydraulic, electrical, and structural issues during routine inspections.
• Willingness to work rotating day and night shifts, including weekends and public holidays as required.
• Valid First Aid and Basic Fire Safety training certificates are an added advantage.
• Strong attention to detail, a proven safety record, and a zero-incident mindset with the confidence to stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Ability to prioritize workload, adapt to changing demands, and perform effectively in a high-volume outdoor environment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with sound knowledge of standard hand and radio signals.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role provides direct exposure to one of the fastest-growing aquaculture companies in the world, offering a chance to contribute to a mission-driven organization with meaningful impact. You will receive hands-on coaching, mentorship, and access to experiences shared by successful leaders from the entrepreneurial and social sectors, all while building a solid career in industrial lifting and logistics operations.