3 Month contract
Role Overview: Cable Cribbing Laborers form the backbone of the cable handling crew. They conduct the hands-on physical tasks required to safely load and stow a 250 km undersea cable onto a barge. This role involves walking the cable in a controlled manner, positioning it in the cable pan, managing heavy connectors, and generally assisting wherever manual labor is needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Walk and guide cable around the barge's cable pan as it is being fed from the ship, taking turns with other crew members to maintain a consistent pace and tension.
- Position cable loops in the pan carefully and hold each coil in place until the next loop is laid, ensuring neat layering and no slip-ups.
- Handle connectors and specialty hardware: assist in lifting heavy cable connectors (~35 lbs) onto rolling carts and moving them safely from the pier to the pan, placing them in designated orientations without straining the cable.
- General labor support: perform related tasks such as clearing minor obstructions, moving tools or materials, tidying the work area, and setting up or striking equipment like portable lights, as directed by leads.
- Rotate roles with fellow laborers to prevent fatigue (e.g., alternate between walking the cable and holding loops, or serving as out-take monitor as needed). Follow all directions from the Lead Cable Handler and Crew Lead promptly and accurately.
- End-of-shift duties: help secure the cable (tie-off or clamp final segment) at shift end or project completion, and ensure all equipment used (carts, straps) is stored properly.
Required Experience:
- Industrial/Construction Background: At least 1–3 years of experience in a physically demanding job in sectors like construction, utilities, shipyard, or manufacturing. Experience with heavy materials handling or large cable/rope/hose handling is ideal.
- Teamwork & Discipline: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a crew under direct supervision. Must be able to take direction well and carry out tasks reliably and safely.
- Safety Awareness: Familiarity with working around heavy equipment (cranes, winches) or hazardous areas. Should understand basic safety signage and protocols, and have a track record of following safety rules on the job.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in maritime operations (dock worker, deckhand, or similar) or telecommunications installation (pulling fiber/cable). This background provides relevant context for the job's environment and tasks.
- Any prior rigging or material moving training is a plus (e.g., forklift operation, rigging course), though not required.
- Demonstrated longevity in past labor roles (shows reliability and stamina for hard work over extended periods).
Physical Requirements:
- Strength & Endurance: Capable of strenuous labor over 12-hour shifts. Can repeatedly lift, carry, and maneuver items of ~50 lbs safely (e.g., coiled cable, connector pieces). Should maintain energy through continuous walking, bending, and standing with minimal drop in performance.
- Mobility: Able to climb portable ladders or stairs onto the barge and into the cable crib frequently. Comfortable on your feet for most of the shift, and steady on potentially slick or uneven surfaces (deck of barge, cable coils, etc.).
- Weather Tolerance: Willing to work outdoors on an exposed pier and barge deck in all weather (sun, wind, rain). The work area is not covered or climate-controlled, so must be able to handle heat and humidity (we provide cooling PPE like hydration and cooling towels) and dress appropriately for conditions.
- Vision & Coordination: Need good visual acuity at moderate distances to see cable movement and hand signals. Hand-foot coordination and balance are important for safely walking cable and moving around the confined crib area.
Work Schedule:
- Shift Structure: Typically works 12 hours per shift (day or night); part of a team providing around-the-clock coverage. Will rotate onto night shifts and weekend shifts as required by the continuous schedule (overtime pay applies as appropriate).
- Deployment Periods: The work is project-based; expected to work ~12 consecutive days during each active cable loading operation (with short breaks between the multi-day operations). Workdays could include holidays if they fall within the active operation – holiday pay will be provided where legally required.
- Local Position: Job is based at Pier N in Norfolk, VA. Must be punctual and already residing within commuting distance (there is no travel or lodging provided). Each shift includes structured breaks (approximately every 3 hours plus a meal break) as directed by the Crew Lead for rest and recovery.
Safety & Compliance:
- Training: OSHA 10-Hour safety training (Construction or General Industry) is required prior to starting (company can assist in obtaining this if candidate doesn't have it). Additional site-specific safety orientation will be given on day one.
