Operator IV, Equipment - Stevedoring

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc.; Port Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. is seeking a senior operations professional to oversee the safe and efficient movement of heavy lift and over‑dimensional cargo in our marine terminal and yard.

The role operates high‑capacity equipment, including forklifts over 55K lbs, Level IV machinery on vessels, docks, and yards, and requires expert experience, strict safety adherence, and the ability to work nights, weekends, and overtime in a high‑risk environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating high-capacity equipment or driving mule jockeys/tractor-trailers.
• Valid state driver’s license 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.

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.

Skills

English language proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.