Senior Heavy Lift Equipment Operator (55k+ lbs)

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc.; Minnesota; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. in Minnesota seeks a senior operator to run top-loader and high-capacity forklifts, moving 55,000+ lb loads in marine terminal and yard settings. You will ensure safe handling and stacking, operate with diverse attachments, and follow strict safety procedures.

The role requires 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, a TWIC card, and flexibility for night/weekend shifts in outdoor conditions, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating high-capacity equipment.
• An active TWIC card is required.
• 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

• Demonstrate operating a top loader 55,000 lbs. or greater.
• 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 inform 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.

Skills

Operate high-capacity equipment

TWIC card

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. in Minnesota seeks a senior operator to run top-loader and high-capacity forklifts, moving 55,000+ lb loads in marine terminal and yard settings. You will ensure safe handling and stacking, operate with diverse attachments, and follow strict safety procedures.

The role requires 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, a TWIC card, and flexibility for night/weekend shifts in outdoor conditions, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and safety.