Shipyard worker

Northlake Shipyard, Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Shipyard, Inc. in Seattle is seeking a Shipyard Laborer / Crane Operator to support dry docking, vessel hauling, and marine repair work. This role combines heavy equipment operation with hands-on labor in a busy shipyard.

Candidates should be safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and able to work outdoors in all weather. English fluency, reliability, and teamwork are essential as you will coordinate with riggers, mechanics, and vessel crews.

Qualifications

• Experience in shipyard, marine construction, or crane operation preferred.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and work at heights or confined spaces.
• Fluent in English; follow safety procedures and radio communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drydocking, undocking, hauling, launching, and vessel movement.
• Operate cranes, hoists, forklifts, or related equipment.
• Rig, lift, position, and move materials and vessel components safely.
• Coordinate with riggers, supervisors, mechanics, welders, and crews.
• Perform general labor: cleaning, pressure washing, debris removal, safe areas.
• Inspect equipment and report safety concerns; follow lockout/tagout and fall-protection rules.
• Support repair and maintenance projects in dry dock, piers, yard.

Skills

Safety-minded

Team player

Mechanically inclined

Outdoor/weather tolerant

English fluency

Physical stamina

Tools

Crane operation

Job description

Northlake Shipyard

Now Hiring: Shipyard Laborer / Crane Operator – Dry Docking Operations

Join our shipyard team supporting safe, efficient drydocking, vessel repair, and marine operations.

About the Role:

We are seeking a dependable Shipyard Laborer / Crane Operator to support drydocking operations, vessel hauling and launching, equipment movement, and general shipyard production work. This role is ideal for someone who is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, comfortable working around vessels and heavy equipment, and able to contribute as part of a hands-on marine repair team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with drydocking, undocking, hauling, launching, blocking, staging, and vessel movement activities.
• Operate cranes, hoists, forklifts, or related equipment as qualified and assigned.
• Rig, lift, position, and move materials, machinery, vessel components, and shipyard equipment safely.
• Work with riggers, supervisors, mechanics, welders, painters, and vessel crews to coordinate safe and efficient lifts.
• Perform general labor duties, including cleaning, pressure washing, staging materials, removing debris, and maintaining safe work areas.
• Inspect equipment, rigging, work areas, and lift conditions before use; report safety concerns immediately.
• Follow all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space rules, fall-protection requirements, and job hazard analysis procedures.
• Support vessel repair and maintenance projects as needed in dry dock, on piers, and throughout the yard.

Qualifications:

• Previous shipyard, marine construction, heavy industrial, crane, rigging, or equipment operation experience preferred.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, around water, at heights, in confined spaces, and in active industrial environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to carry, push, pull, climb, kneel, and stand for extended periods.
• Fluent in English and able to understand work instructions, safety procedures, and radio or verbal communication.
• Must be reliable, punctual, safety-minded, and able to work well with a team.

Schedule and Work Environment:

This is a full-time, on-site position in an active shipyard environment. Overtime, weekends, early starts, or schedule changes may be required based on vessel schedules, drydock movements, and project needs. Candidates must be available for overtime when required.

Why Join Us?

• Steady, hands-on work in the marine industry.
• Opportunity to work on a variety of vessels and drydocking projects.
• Team-oriented shipyard environment with a strong focus on safety.