YES+ Student Trainee

Georgia Ports Authority; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Ports Authority is seeking an YES+ Student Trainee for Garden City Terminal. The role trains in handling cargo with forklifts, operating jockey trucks, and supporting crane operations, electrical and mechanical systems, and NAVIS-based processes.

Candidates must complete on-the-job and in-house training. The program requires a high school diploma, physical stamina, and willingness to learn equipment and systems. TWIC and a valid driver's license are required upon hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Willingness to learn RF systems, computer technology, and other equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and jockey trucks to load/unload containers safely and efficiently.
• Assist with crane and RTG maintenance and inspections when needed.
• Perform clerical duties related to container handling, NAVIS entries, and reporting.

Skills

Forklift operation

Jockey truck operation

NAVIS system

Clerical tasks

Safety awareness

Electrical/mechanical repair

RF technology

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

NAVIS system

Job description

Open to High School Graduates Class of 2026 & 2027.

Job Information

Job Title: YES+ Student Trainee

Location(s): Garden City Terminal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Overview

Under the supervision of the Manager, assigned Foreman, or management designee, the YES+ Student Trainee will be trained to physically handle cargo and operates various types of forklifts, jockey trucks, and equipment as necessary in the handling of cargo; or inspect services, and repairs electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems for cranes and RTG's; or performs a variety of administrative duties related to container handling operations, payroll, and employee-related matters.

Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

Job Duties

• Trains to perform all duties including general housekeeping and any labor-intensive task assigned in an efficient and safe manner.
• Trains and becomes proficient in operating the jockey truck in a safe and efficient manner while loading and unloading containers.
• Trains to be able to work productively in conjunction with vessel stevedoring and yard operations.
• Trains to inspect assigned equipment to record its safe working condition and report mechanical and safety deficiencies to an immediate supervisor.
• Works safely always and can follow instructions.
• Trains to perform manual labor involving lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, climbing, walking, pushing, and pulling.
• Trains to perform all clerical duties related to receiving and delivering containers/chassis.
• Trains to be willing and able to learn RF system, computer, and other technology.
• Trains to maintain accurate stack inventory from containers and chassis received and delivered to/from vessel, gate, rail, and warehouse.
• Trains to respond to stevedore orders for equipment loading and unloading vessels. Records lease times for equipment as necessary.
• Trains to check for damage and/or exceptions on cargo and records and/or reports events accordingly.
• Trains to perform an emergency response to operations requests to immediately repair disabled containers and RTG cranes. Identifies problems and implements necessary corrective action to repair cranes or associated equipment. Operates cranes/heavy equipment as necessary for repairs.
• Trains to inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on DC and AC circuits, DC and AC motors, DC and AC drive systems, generators, alternators, programmable logic controllers, limit switches, lights, resistor banks, wiring and alarm systems, fiber-optic cables, load cell systems, hydraulic systems, and diesel engines.
• Trains to perform set-up, tuning, and calibration of AC and DC drive systems per original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Trains to read and understand electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic drawings and schematics, and make necessary changes to schematics and wiring diagrams to reflect as-built or as-modified conditions.
• Trains to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems on the cranes.
• Trains to install conduit and wiring as necessary for installation of equipment modifications or for new equipment installations.
• Trains to assist Crane Maintenance Mechanics or Crane Operations personnel when necessary
• Trains to perform a variety of clerical duties such as filing, inventory, copying, answering telephone inquiries, typing, updating reports, and reception work as required. Performs all manual job functions.
• Trains to enter, facilitate, and verifies orders into the NAVIS system based upon a variety of customer requests. Ensures orders are complete with information in NAVIS before processing.
• Trains to communicate verbal orders to yard operators.
• Trains to process service orders for billing submission (chassis bundling/unbundling, dig moves, stack relocations, gate overtime, etc.).
• Trains to adjust computer inventory to reflect on-port changes, such as physical transfer, transfer of ownership, etc. Reports and corrects discrepancies between physical and computer inventory.
• Trains to coordinate the movement of all containers within the Garden City Terminal.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to follow instructions and perform routine, repetitive tasks.
• Ability to be trained as new technology is introduced into the workplace.
• Must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform physical movements which are essential work activities like bending, kneeling, climbing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and sitting.
• Must have good eye-hand-foot coordination.
• Vision requirements: Visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses for each eye, the minimum depth perception of 6/9, and minimum peripheral vision of 70 degrees for each eye.
• Must be able to work in various levels of noise, and vibrations, and in a warehouse environment with various commodities.
• Must be able to work in varying climatic and atmospheric conditions from minor to extreme.
• Must be able to work shift work, holidays, and weekends if necessary.
• Knowledge of the capabilities and capacities of equipment is preferred.
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with the GPA staff on all levels of administration including immediate supervisor, management, and co-workers required.

Experience

• Student Trainee will learn how to do this job through on-the-job training and in-house training courses in handling cargo and safety Required
• One-year training and probationary period Required

Education

• Required High School Diploma or equivalent

Licenses & Certifications

• TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required Upon Hire
• Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required Upon Hire

Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Revised: 5/24/2023

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