Ship Cutter Supervisor Hourly

The Ship Cutter Supervisor leads daily vessel cutting and dismantling operations. This position assigns and oversees crew work, coordinates safe cutting and material removal, trains employees, and monitors production while following company safety and environmental procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Plan daily work assignments for ship cutters and assigned crew members based on the approved dismantling plan, employee qualifications, and available equipment

- Plan and schedule crew work on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in line with the dismantling plan, and schedule employees so the right people are in the right places at the right times

- Coordinate cutting sequences and removal of vessel sections with management, crane crews, equipment operators, and other departments to maintain vessel stability and control falling material

- Monitor production, work quality, staffing, and delays; report daily progress and recommend improvements without compromising safety

- Continuously look for areas to improve; identify and correct wasted time, and use consumables and supplies such as cutting gases, torch tips, and grinding materials efficiently

- Conduct pre-shift meetings and explain work assignments, hazards, safe work procedures, and emergency arrangements in a language employees understand

- Train and coach employees in cutting methods, equipment care, housekeeping, teamwork, and safe work practices; document training and performance concerns

- Monitor attendance and work conduct; communicate concerns to management and HR and support corrective action under company procedures

- Coordinate with maintenance to address defective torches, hoses, regulators, tools, and equipment; remove unsafe equipment from service

- Ensure crew members properly use, inspect, and care for torches, tools, and equipment, and report damage or needs promptly

- Maintain accurate production, attendance, training, inspection, and incident documentation; promptly report injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions.

Leadership and Communication

- Set the example for the crew on safety, work ethic, attendance, and professional conduct.

- Be accountable for the crews safety performance, work quality, productivity, and conduct.

- Communicate team goals, objectives, and production targets to the crew, and keep employees informed when priorities change.

- Communicate clearly, directly, and honestly with crew members, management, and other departments.

- Remain open to feedback, questions, and discussion from crew members and management, and address concerns constructively.

Safety and Environment Responsibilities

- Constantly watch for safety hazards throughout the work site and take immediate corrective action when hazards are identified.

- Continuously reinforce safety awareness with the crew through pre-shift meetings, toolbox talks, and on-the-job coaching.

- Verify required entry and hot work authorizations, atmospheric testing, ventilation, and applicable certifications are in place before work begins. Coordinate with EHS, the designated Shipyard Competent Person, and a Marine Chemist when required.

- Confirm fire prevention controls and assigned fire watch coverage are in place as required by the job plan, certifications, and company procedures.

- Enforce use of required PPE, fall protection, respiratory protection, safe access, equipment isolation, and exclusion zones around suspended loads and cutting areas.

- Stop work when unsafe conditions arise or conditions change; coordinate corrective action and required re-evaluation before work resumes.

- Coordinate with authorized environmental personnel regarding asbestos, lead-containing coatings, residual fuels, and other hazardous materials before affected areas are cut or disturbed.

- Keep walkways and emergency access clear; follow spill prevention, waste handling, heat illness prevention, and waterfront safety procedures.

Qualifications and Skills

- High school diploma or GED is a plus

- Experience in ship cutting, shipbreaking, dismantling, demolition, scrap metal recycling, or a comparable industrial operation; supervisory experience preferred.

- Knowledge of torch cutting, safe dismantling sequences, material handling, and coordination with crane and equipment crews is a plus.

- Working knowledge of applicable OSHA shipyard safety requirements, confined and enclosed space hazards, hot work controls, and required PPE.

- OSHA 10-Hour certification required.

- Ability to lead a crew, provide clear instructions, coach employees, resolve work issues, and maintain accurate records.

- English and Spanish communication skills preferred to support crew training and communication.

Working Conditions

Work takes place aboard vessels and in an outdoor industrial waterfront setting. Conditions may include enclosed and confined spaces, elevated work areas, uneven or slippery surfaces, ladders and stairs, extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, noise, dust, fumes, sparks, and open flames. The supervisor works near cranes, forklifts, trucks, heavy equipment, and moving or suspended material. Overtime and weekend work may be required based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation, including walking and standing for extended periods; climbing ladders and stairs; bending, reaching, and moving through vessel work areas; and accessing elevated or confined areas when assigned and authorized. Use required protective equipment, including fall protection and respiratory protection when applicable. Use team lifting or mechanical assistance for heavy or awkward materials.