Heavy Forklift / MHE Operator

Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Fringe Benefits

Complete Benefits Package

Job summary

A logistics company is urgently hiring a Heavy Forklift / MHE Operator in Newport, Rhode Island. This role involves safely operating heavy material handling equipment, conducting inspections, and managing the movement of high-value materials. Candidates must have a valid OSHA certification, at least one year of hands-on experience, and the ability to work in a physically demanding environment. A competitive hourly rate and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current, valid OSHA certification for forklift operators up to 15K lbs.
• Minimum of one year of experience operating heavy MHE in a busy environment.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a DoD CAC/Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy MHE in tight warehouse environments.
• Load, unload, and secure materials onto trucks.
• Perform physical inspections of incoming pallets and crates.
• Relocate oversized materials with proper weight distribution and safety practices.
• Assist with kitting, packaging, and marking materials for deployment to remote detachments.

Skills

Heavy Material Handling Equipment operation

OSHA Certification

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Physical stamina

DoD clearance eligible

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

All Jobs > Heavy Forklift / MHE Operator

Makwa Global is urgently hiring an expert Heavy Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operator to support dynamic, heavy‑lift logistics operations at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT). As a Key Personnel member of our logistics team, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of high‑value naval assets, oversized research and development equipment, and hazardous materials across the installation.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy Material Handling Equipment (MHE), specifically Class I‑V and VII forklifts up to 15,000 lbs capacity, in tight warehouse environments and active loading docks.
• Load, unload, and secure materials onto 20‑foot box trucks and flatbeds.
• Perform physical kick‑and‑count inspections of incoming pallets and crates.
• Relocate and re‑warehouse oversized materials, ensuring proper weight distribution and adherence to strict safety standards.
• Assist with kitting, packaging, and marking of materials scheduled for deployment to remote detachments.

Requirements

Required Qualifications (Must be clearly documented on resume)

• Active OSHA Certification: Must possess a current, valid OSHA certification for forklift operators up to 15K lbs covering forklift types Class I‑V and VII. (Note: A copy of this valid certification must be provided during the interview process).
• Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated hands‑on experience operating heavy MHE in a busy warehouse or industrial environment.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently and work in a physically demanding environment.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a DoD CAC/Security Clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience operating commercial box trucks (up to 20‑foot with power tailgates).
• Previous experience in a DoD or Naval shipyard/logistics environment.

Compensation: Highly competitive hourly rate + Health & Welfare Fringe Benefits + Complete Benefits Package.