Heavy Lift Mechanic

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, and Greer. Our 600+ employees handle cargo, operate and maintain cargo handling equipment, manage port facilities and operations, and support the port system in a fast-paced 24/7 environment.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, maintains a high level of reliability for heavy lift equipment and Heavy Lift Maintenance Department equipment.  A Heavy Lift Mechanic is responsible for the following types of equipment and systems (not an all-inclusive list):  diesel engines, electro-hydraulic/pneumatic systems, drive train systems and components (gearboxes, transmissions, couplings, brakes, etc.), low voltage DC electrical systems, and wire ropes.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provides rapid responses and resolutions to trouble calls while heavy lift equipment is in operation.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance to designated heavy lift equipment and Heavy Lift Maintenance Department equipment in an efficient and proper manner.
• Performs assigned tasks in compliance with applicable safety, hazardous material, and environmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Maintains high housekeeping standards both during and at the completion of all tasks.
• Completes the training and qualifications in the required time frame to perform Maintenance While Operating (MWO).
• Maintains adequate technical knowledge and skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair heavy lift equipment.
• Documents all work activities performed in a timely and accurate manner
• Completes all payroll related records (e.g., labor tickets, leave slips) in a timely and proper manner.
• Assists as necessary in the training of trainees and apprentices.
• Assists as necessary with the installation, testing, and acceptance of new or modified heavy lift equipment.

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned- This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• Functional supervision of trainees and apprentices during training

  Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Satisfactorily complete the Trident Technical College Industrial Mechanic Certificate Program (or equivalent) OR
• Satisfactorily complete a four (4) year apprenticeship program OR
• At least three (3) years of experience as a journeyman mechanic in industrial type work with diesel engines, hydraulics, low voltage DC systems, and/or drive train components
• At least one (1) year of experience in an industrial type work environment
• A valid South Carolina driver’s license is required to operate a Ports Authority owned licensed motor vehicle.

Skills and Abilities

• Basic computer skills (e.g., using a computerized maintenance system)
• Basic reading and writing skills (e.g., using a computerized maintenance system) in the English language
• Technical reading and writing skills (e.g., maintenance manuals, prints) in the English language

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical welding experience with the ability to obtain certification per              AWS D1.1
• Practical mobile air conditioning experience with the ability to obtain                 certification per MACS

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Training will take place in Charleston South Carolina for approximately eight to nine months

• Must be capable of standing, walking, and/or sitting for a minimum of eight (8) hours per day.
• Must be capable of bending, stooping, and/or kneeling for a minimum of four (4) hours per day.
• Must be capable of climbing stairs and/or ladders over fifteen (15) feet numerous times per day.
• Must be capable of lifting and/or carrying items of not more than fifty (50) pounds for a minimum of eight (8) hours per day.
• Must be capable of lifting items overhead several times per day.
• Must be capable of comfortably working at heights greater than ninety (90) feet.
• Must be capable of working in small (i.e., confining) spaces.
• Must have vision correctable to 20/20 in at least one eye.
• Must be capable of hearing spoken (including radio) communications and audible alarms and warning devices.
• Must be capable of speaking clearly for both face-to-face and radio communications.
• Must be capable of wearing required personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat, reflective vests, hearing protection, fall protection).
• Must be capable of wearing a respirator (for initial hire into the Heavy Lift Maintenance Department only).
• Must be capable of using small hand tools (e.g., screw drivers, wrenches) and power tools (e.g., drills, impact wrenches).
• Must be willing to work flexible schedules that may be in excess of eight (8) hours per day and include early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Must be reachable when not at work (e.g., have a telephone in the home, have a cell phone)

SC Ports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race; creed; color; religion; alienage or national origin; ancestry; citizenship status; age; disability or handicap; sex; pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition; marital status; veteran status; sexual orientation; gender identity; genetic information; arrest record; or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.