Future Heavy Lift Crane Operator
Job Description

Job description

Future Heavy Lift Crane Operator
Business area:  Offshore Deck Crew
Department: 
Job Level:  Entry/Junior
Job Location (Short):  Leiden, NLD

Do you have what it takes to operate the largest offshore cranes in the world?
At Heerema Marine Contractors, you don’t just operate a crane, you help make the impossible possible offshore. 

 

Your role in the story
As a Future Heavy Lift Crane Operator, you are responsible for the mechanical operation of some of the largest offshore cranes in the world, with lifting capacities ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 metric tons. You operate the crane following instructions from a dedicated signal person on deck, while continuously monitoring the instruments in the operator’s cabin. In addition, you regularly inspect, check and report on the mechanical condition of the crane and related machinery, ensuring safe and reliable operations at all times.

 

What you will be working on

  • Operating offshore cranes in accordance with procedures and instructions
  • Adhering to safe working practices at all times, including avoiding hoisting over people, live pipelines and critical equipment such as ROVs
  • Correctly understanding and strictly following emergency stop signals, radio communication and hand signals
  • Performing daily inspections and reporting defects or malfunctions (e.g. corrosion, structural damage, wire wear, paint damage)
  • Verifying that loads are correctly rigged and safe prior to lifting
  • Assisting with crane maintenance as instructed by the Assistant Chief Engineer Vessel and/or Chief Electrician
  • Monitoring and verifying correct functioning of machinery and equipment and rectifying issues where possible
  • Assisting with reeving activities
  • Validating rigging selection and monitoring hook position during lifting operations
  • Attending toolbox talks at the start of each shift (work permitting)
  • Ensuring proper shift handover and job transfer

 

Key ingredients for success

  • An intermediate vocational (technical) education
  • TCVT 4.01 certificate or Offshore Crane Operator Stage 2/3 (required)
  • 1 - 3 years of relevant experience operating offshore cranes (>2000 mt floating)
  • Very good command of the English language
  • Good command of the Dutch language (required)
  • A strong technical background
  • A flexible attitude and strong safety awareness

 

Your future colleagues
You will work alongside highly experienced crane operators, engineers and offshore professionals who operate and maintain the world’s largest crane vessels. Together, you form a close-knit team where safety, craftsmanship and cooperation are key.

 

Your foundation for success
At Heerema, we value:

  • A learning mindset: open to feedback, curious, and eager to grow
  • Personal leadership: taking ownership of your work, development and impact
  • An entrepreneurial attitude: turning challenges into solutions

 

Working at Heerema Marine Contractors
Making the impossible possible offshore, that’s what drives us. We operate the world’s largest crane vessels and execute complex offshore projects across the global energy market, from offshore wind installations to the removal of offshore platforms weighing up to 50,000 metric tons.

What we offer:

  • A modern and competitive employment package
  • Excellent secondary benefits, including a bonus scheme, pension plan and insurances
  • Extensive onboarding and development opportunities
  • Challenging, varied offshore work with room for personal initiative
  • Comfortable cabins, fitness facilities, excellent catering and onboard recreation
  • A strong focus on safety and sustainability

 

Rotation schedule:
5 weeks on / 5 weeks off (This may fluctuate due to the nature of our activities)

 

Is this your dream job?
Put in your application now and become part of Heerema’s unique maritime adventure!

A unique maritime adventure

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we deliver the world’s most challenging offshore projects in the energy sector. From designing and engineering to transporting, installing, and removing offshore structures, we make the impossible possible — safely and sustainably.

Our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our diverse team, working together across offshore, onshore, and office-based roles. We value teamwork, innovation, and a can-do mindset, and we are proud of our culture where colleagues support and inspire each other to achieve excellence.

Join Heerema and become part of a world-class team shaping the future of the offshore industry.

Information at a Glance

Highlights

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we offer offshore jobs, engineering careers, and office opportunities worldwide. Join our team and make the impossible possible.

Job Location:  HMC Leiden
Base Salary:  91,452.00 EUR
Business area:  Offshore Deck Crew
Standard Weekly Hours:  84.00
Job Level:  Entry/Junior
Req Id:  590