Reach Forklift Operator

Strait-Link-Shipping-Pty-Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Strait Link is seeking an experienced Reach Stacker Operator to join our yard team in Melbourne, Victoria. You will move and stack containers safely across the yard and support gatehouse operations to keep freight moving efficiently.

Key responsibilities include loading, unloading, verifying container weights, completing pre-start checks, and coordinating with yard staff. A strong safety focus and clear communication are essential to succeed in our busy terminal environment.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused operations with yard environment awareness.
• Proven ability to follow procedures and spot hazards.
• Experience with pre-start checks and load handling.

Responsibilities

• Load, unload, transport and stack containers in designated areas.
• Complete pre-start checks and identify hazards before starting work.
• Check container weights and ensure lifts are within the reach stacker’s rated capacity.
• Secure the spreader, conduct test lifts and monitor containers throughout each movement.
• Work with yard supervisors and other drivers to coordinate safe container movements.
• Monitor site entry and exit, checking vehicles, staff and visitors against access requirements.
• Verify delivery and dispatch documents, record vehicle movements and issue visitor passes.
• Communicate with transport and warehouse teams to support the flow of vehicles through the site.
• Report hazards, security incidents and irregularities, and assist with emergency procedures when required.

Skills

Safety awareness

Clear communication

Reliability

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

RS High Risk Work Licence

Tools

Reach stacker

Job description

Strait Link has a proud history of being a vital link between Victoria and Tasmania, providing daily sea freight services between Port of Melbourne in Victoria and the Port Burnie in Tasmania. We contribute to the Australian economy by being a key part of the supply chain between Tasmania and the Australian mainland, connecting local Australian customers to markets across the world.

Everyday our people, on vessels, at our ports and in our offices play a vital role in connecting local Australian customers to markets across the world.

As an employer of Australian seafarers, we take pride in developing the next generation of seafarers and are always on the lookout for talented people to join our inclusive, local community minded and enterprising workforce.

An inclusive workplace, works for everyone:

We celebrate difference. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that gives everyone the chance to contribute to a bigger and brighter future with us. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and invite applicants of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply. Strait Link acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as First Peoples of Australia.

Company Values

Our values Care, Trust, Connected are the foundation of everything we do here at Strait Link. They underpin how we go about performing our roles and activities everyday when we are at work and representing the Strait Link business.

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Reach Stacker Operator to join Strait Link’s team. You’ll move and stack containers safely across the yard and support gatehouse operations, helping vehicles, drivers and freight move efficiently through the site.

What you’ll do

Load, unload, transport and stack containers in designated areas.

Complete pre-start checks and identify hazards before starting work.

Check container weights and ensure lifts are within the reach stacker’s rated capacity.

Secure the spreader, conduct test lifts and monitor containers throughout each movement.

Work with yard supervisors and other drivers to coordinate safe container movements.

Monitor site entry and exit, checking vehicles, staff and visitors against access requirements.

Verify delivery and dispatch documents, record vehicle movements and issue visitor passes.

Communicate with transport and warehouse teams to support the flow of vehicles through the site.

Report hazards, security incidents and irregularities, and assist with emergency procedures when required.

Desired Skills and Experience

What you’ll bring

You take safety seriously, communicate clearly and understand the importance of working together in a busy terminal environment. You’re reliable, pay attention to the details and take the initiative to raise concerns or solve problems as they arise.

You’ll also bring:

A current RS High Risk Work Licence and experience operating a reach stacker.

Knowledge of safe load handling, container weights, load charts and equipment stability.

Experience completing pre-start checks and identifying workplace hazards.

An understanding of traffic management plans and safe movement around people and equipment.

Confidence using two-way radios, hand signals and other site communication methods.

The ability to maintain accurate records and check delivery and dispatch documentation.