Equipment Operator (Marina Forklift)

Who May Apply: Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 10/30/2026 Area of Consideration: To be considered, applicant must reside in the commuting area (100-mile radius) of Eglin AFB, Florida.

Business Based Action, Military Spouse Preference, Outside Applicant Veteran, Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran, and Transition Hiring Preference In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if the position allows for qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Qualifying Experience: Must have skill in operating gasoline or diesel-powered forklift or marina travel-lift equipment weighing more than 50K pounds.

Experience operating a forklift in a dry storage marina and handling vessels up to 36 feet in length and 22K lbs gross weight is preferred. Must have ability to handle controls for starting, stopping, backing, and driving lift through narrow aisles in buildings, up and down ramps, and tilting/adjusting forks without stopping power unit or equipment. Experience must include work practices to accurately gauge height, length, width, and weight of a load and determine proper warehousing/storage location.

Must have a current motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to exert moderate physical effort in reaching, bending, turning, or moving hands, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Must be able to satisfactorily complete a pre-employment physical. Must be able to satisfactorily complete a Tier 1 background investigation.

The purpose of the position is to perform as a marina forklift operator to lift, lower, and transport watercraft at Ben's Lake Marina. Operates 67K lb/33.5-ton. diesel powered marina forklift capable of lifting loads weighing 22K pounds up to 40 feet (or 4 stories) and down 4 feet below surface-level to place craft in water. Operates lift inside dry dock storage building and outside, to and from marina boat storage areas and the boat launch/recovery area.

The operator follows oral or written instructions using judgement concerning when, how and where loads are to be moved and placed, adjusting forks both horizontally and vertically for positioning of the watercraft while lifting the boat to and from the racks or in the water. Safely handles loads, values which normally exceed $75K each; ensures appropriate weight and size of load in order to safely gauge requirements for lifting, transporting and storing craft.

Drives carefully to avoid injuring others or damaging equipment and property over uneven terrain. Performs regular and required operator maintenance, such as checking and maintaining proper fluid levels, checking and maintaining proper tire air pressures, removing and replacing tires, lubricating as required, cleaning and washing, spot painting, rust removal and replacing minor parts such as headlights and fuses. Monitors inside and outside facilities for storage of boats to ensure safe and secure premises.

Repairs boat storage racks with new covers and replaces wood on racks when required. Using knowledge of boat materials and system of units for weight, adjusts racks to fit individual boats. Works with the Marina Manager to ensure storage is utilized for maximum use of space based on the size of boat, rack location and overall facility usage. Maintains routine records such as boat storage inventories, daily work logs and operator's daily opening/closing procedural checklist.

Conducts daily and weekly routine fuel system inspections of gasoline storage tanks, pumps, lines, nozzles and hoses for possible leaks; reports any discrepancies to base Civil Engineering, Liquid Fuels Shop immediately. Pressure washes marina areas and cleans work and customer areas as needed. Cuts/trims grass as needed within the marina. Performs other related duties as assigned.

If interested in applying for this position you may preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13094103