Operator III, Equipment - Stevedoring

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. is seeking a Heavy Forklift Operator in Houston, Texas. This position requires proficiency in operating a 30K forklift for safe handling of general cargo, including steel products and containers.

Applicants need at least six months of experience with heavy equipment, a valid license, and an active TWIC card. Flexibility in scheduling is essential, including availability for nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum six months experience operating heavy equipment.
• Valid license and acceptable driving record required.
• TWIC card must be active.

Responsibilities

• Operate ≤30K forklift safely and efficiently.
• Handle various cargo types including steel products.
• Communicate issues with equipment to supervisors.
• Ensure safety compliance during operation.

Skills

Operating heavy equipment

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Flexibility in scheduling

Compliance with safety policies

Job description

Overview

The heavy forklift operator position operates a 30K forklift machine for all operations. Required to be proficient in the safe handling and transfer of general cargo; 20’ pipe, 20’ rebar and other steel products and containers in the terminal, vessels, on and off trailers, in and out of vans, railcars and containers.

Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of previous experience operating materials handling heavy equipment.
• A valid license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with supervisors and co‑workers.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, extended hours, nights, holidays, and/or weekends as needed.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and strong initiative.
• An active TWIC card.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates competency operating ≤30K forklift with at least 6 months experience that includes:
  • Safe and efficient handling of boxes, crates, pallets, skids, super sacks, trays, rebar, and smaller length pipe (loose or bundled).
  • Operating with diverse attachments to handle different commodities.
  • Operating machine in the terminal and/or on the dock.
  • Proper mounting/dismounting of machine while maintaining three points of contact.
  • Proper startup and shutdown of forklift (seatbelt, neutral when starting/stopping, lowers forklift blades to ground and sets brake when parking).
  • Proper use of controls (clutch, inching, tilt, lift, attachments, steering).
  • Proper stacking of load (approaches load squarely, stacks straight and squarely, and to safe height, deposits load safely, does not move until forks are level and lowered).
  • Proper loading/unloading a trailer or van/railcar/container/other (checks the dock plate, condition of the floor/deck, trailer chocks, jack stands, and brakes if applicable, and maneuvers safely in tight quarters).
  • Ensures truck drive is outside of cab and visible to operator before loading or unloading.
  • Checks equipment in accordance to forklift checklist procedures to ensure it is properly maintained and is safe to operate.
  • Communicates any issues with machine to supervisor or maintenance.
  • Follows proper procedures for an unattended machine.
  • Ensures machine is operated within safe working load limits at all times.
  • Follows all company safety requirements/policies.
  • Understands and complies with Company Stop Work Authority policy.
  • Maintains awareness of all surroundings (i.e. vehicles, people, traffic, debris or obstructions, etc.) at all times.
  • Reviews all shipments upon arrival and informs supervisor immediately of any damages to cargo.
  • Ensures that cargo is loaded in appropriate container and/or trailer for shipment.
  • Performs additional related duties as assigned which may or may not include operating a forklift.