Equipment Operator - Yard Mule

Jacintoport International•Houston, TX

61d•Onsite

About The Position

This position moves commodities within a terminal using heavy equipment and performs physical, labor-intensive tasks. The operator transports containers and general cargo, including pipe and break bulk, between locations while following operating and safety guidelines and preventing damage or accidents. The role also includes equipment inspections, trailer coupling and uncoupling, communication with supervisors and coworkers, cargo condition reporting, general labor or stevedoring duties as needed, and maintaining a clean, safe work area. The position receives direct supervision from the Stevedoring Superintendent and Hatch and Walking Foremen and does not supervise other employees. Work is outdoors, with exposure to changing weather conditions during day and night shifts, dust, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and moderate to high noise. Equipment operation involves moderate vibration. Physical requirements include prolonged sitting while driving, frequent movement and coordination tasks, climbing, bending, squatting, kneeling, crawling, twisting, reaching, standing, and walking. The employee may occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 110 pounds with another employee’s assistance. Physical and/or DOT screening and other applicable tests are required.

Requirements

At least one year of experience driving one or more of the following: mule jockey, tractor trailer, Empty Handler, or Toploader.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Ability to maneuver the selected heavy equipment efficiently during a practice exam.
Ability to complete on-the-job training to operate other heavy equipment, including 9K, 30K, and 52K forklifts, Toploader, and Empty Handler, within the first year of employment.
Ability to handle heavy containerized, palletized, or loose cargo safely and efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Previous experience performing a variety of physical, labor-intensive tasks.
Ability to obtain HAZMAT certification within 30 days of the start date.
Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of the start date.
Ability to read, write, and speak Basic English.
Ability to accurately process alphanumeric information.
Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and demonstrate strong initiative.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.
Ability to think logically, follow procedures and instructions, and make sound decisions.
Ability to work flexible and extended hours, including nights, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 110 pounds with assistance.
Ability to complete required physical and/or DOT screening and other applicable tests.

Responsibilities

Perform all functions in accordance with operating and safety guidelines.
Inspect assigned equipment routinely and report defects or repair needs to mechanic personnel.
Operate yard trucks, forklifts, Empty Handlers, and Toploaders to transport containers and general cargo safely and within required timeframes.
Use forklifts to load and discharge cargo from and to yard trucks.
Perform pre-shift mechanical inspections and immediately report deficiencies to the Foreman, Stevedoring Superintendent, and Mechanic Shop Supervisor.
Use yard trucks and standard equipment, including flatbed trailers, pipe trailers, and mafis, to pull, transport, load, and discharge break bulk and empty or loaded containers.
Couple and uncouple trailers, including repositioning trailer jacks and connecting or disconnecting air and electrical lines.
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, follow loading crew signals, and confirm vehicles and loading equipment are properly positioned.
Maintain communication with the Foreman and coworkers to ensure the correct load is moved at the correct time and to the correct location.
Immediately report cargo damage or spoilage detected before loading or unloading.
Perform general labor and stevedoring duties as required by business volume and needs.
Keep the work area clean and free of debris or safety hazards, while remaining aware of nearby people and vehicles.
Maintain load logs and submit accurate daily shift activity reports when requested.
Report safety hazards and incidents involving injury, illness, or property damage; wear required PPE, follow safety rules, refuse unsafe tasks, participate in safety meetings and training, and remain aware of personal and coworker safety.
Perform other related tasks as assigned.