Operator IV, Equipment - Stevedoring

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc.; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. in Texas seeks a senior-level operations specialist to operate high-capacity equipment and yard trucks for safe, efficient handling of heavy lift and over-dimensional cargo.

You will use 55,000 lb+ capacity machinery, follow strict safety protocols, and work nights, weekends, and holidays in a fast-paced marine terminal environment requiring independent judgment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience operating high-capacity equipment and/or driving mule jockeys or tractor-trailers.
• Valid state driver’s license with clean driving record.
• TWIC card required.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English; accurate data processing.
• Strong initiative, independent judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and overtime.
• Proven ability to function in fast-paced environments with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate PITs with capacities of 55,000 lbs or greater.
• Safely operate equipment: Forklift (55K+ lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, Reach Stacker, Ship Loader.
• Handle heavy lift cargo exceeding 55K machine capacity.
• Operate Level IV machinery onboard vessels, barges, docks and yard.
• Stack steel coils with proper nesting and chocking.
• Reverse and turn under load; request spotters when visibility is obstructed.
• Handle over-dimensional loads in tandem with other machines.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrian/vehicular traffic, overhead hazards, and crane swing radius.
• Follow unattended machinery protocols, especially onboard vessels.
• Comply with all safety procedures and operational standards.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent judgment

Initiative

Flexible schedule

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Overview

This is a senior-level operational role responsible for operating high-capacity equipment and terminal yard trucks to support the safe and efficient movement of heavy lift and over-dimensional cargo. This role requires expert-level proficiency, extensive experience, and strict adherence to safety protocols in high-risk environments in the marine terminal, port operations and yard settings. This role operates large-capacity forklifts, including Hyster (H1050) and Taylor (XH1000) models, to safely lift, move, and stack extremely heavy loads (55,000 lbs or greater).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating high-capacity equipment and/or driving mule jockeys or tractor-trailers.
• Valid state driver’s license (DL) with acceptable driving record.
• TWIC card required in hand.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English; accurate processing of alpha/numeric data.
• Strong initiative, independent judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Proven ability to function effectively in fast-paced environments with limited supervision.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Subject to physical and/or DOT screening and other applicable tests.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including extreme heat, rain, wind, cold, and high humidity during day and night shifts.
• Frequent sitting (while driving), grasping, and exercising eye-hand and eye-hand-foot coordination.
• Frequent reaching, repetitive foot/wrist motion, and finger dexterity.
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing, bending, squatting, twisting, and overhead reaching.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 55 pounds.
• Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Exposure to high altitudes, noise, dust, fumes, and moving mechanical parts.

Responsibilities

• Operate PITs with capacities of 55,000 lbs or greater.
• Safely operate the following equipment: Forklift (55K+ lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, Reach Stacker, and/or Ship Loader.
• Handle heavy lift cargo exceeding 55K machine capacity.
• Operate Level IV machinery onboard vessels, barges, docks and yard.
• Stack steel coils at the Place of Rest (POR), ensuring proper nesting and chocking.
• Reverse and turn under load; request spotters when visibility is obstructed.
• Handle over-dimensional loads in tandem with other machines.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, overhead hazards, and crane swing radius.
• Follow unattended machinery protocols, especially onboard vessels.
• Comply with all safety procedures and operational standards.