Equipment Operator (Marina Forklift)

Air Force Materiel Command•Eglin AFB, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position is assigned to Eglin Outdoor Recreation - Ben's Lake Marina, within the 96th Force Support Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida. The position is flexible, with no guaranteed hours, but may be scheduled for up to 40 hours per week. Tours of duty may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The Equipment Operator operates a 67,000-pound, 33.5-ton diesel-powered marina forklift to lift, lower, and transport watercraft at Ben's Lake Marina. The forklift can lift loads up to 22,000 pounds to a height of 40 feet and lower them to four feet below surface level. Work takes place inside the dry dock storage building and outdoors between boat storage areas and the boat launch and recovery area. The operator follows oral or written instructions and uses judgment to move and position vessels, adjusting the forks horizontally and vertically as needed. The operator safely handles vessels that normally exceed $75,000 in value and drives carefully over uneven terrain to avoid injury or damage to equipment and property. The position also includes routine operator maintenance of the forklift, monitoring marina storage facilities, repairing boat racks, maintaining storage records, inspecting fuel systems, pressure washing marina areas, and trimming grass as needed. The operator works with the Marina Manager to use storage space effectively and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Skill operating a gasoline- or diesel-powered forklift or marina travel-lift weighing more than 50,000 pounds.
Experience operating a forklift in a dry-storage marina and handling vessels up to 36 feet long and 22,000 pounds gross weight is preferred.
Ability to operate controls for starting, stopping, backing, and driving the lift through narrow building aisles and up and down ramps, and to tilt or adjust forks without stopping the power unit or equipment.
Experience accurately gauging a load’s height, length, width, and weight and determining an appropriate warehousing or storage location.
Current motor vehicle operator’s license; the incumbent must possess or obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license from one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
Ability to exert moderate physical effort involving reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls.
Must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment physical.
Must satisfactorily complete a Tier 1 background investigation and receive favorable results.
Must consent to pre-employment and random drug testing because the position is a Test Designated Position.
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident for at least three years and reside in the commuting area, defined as within a 100-mile radius of Eglin AFB, Florida.
Applicants must provide proof of claimed eligibility or preference by the application closing date, 10/30/2026.
Education cannot substitute for the required experience.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must use direct deposit, satisfactorily complete E-Verify, and meet pre-employment requirements before entering on duty.
Applicants must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of source identity documents to facilitate access to the installation.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating a forklift in a dry-storage marina and handling vessels up to 36 feet in length and 22,000 pounds gross weight.

Responsibilities

Operate a diesel-powered marina forklift to lift, lower, transport, and position watercraft between storage areas and the launch or recovery area.
Use oral or written instructions and judgment to determine when, how, and where loads should be moved and placed; adjust forks horizontally and vertically as needed.
Safely gauge vessel weight and size and handle loads, typically valued at more than $75,000, while avoiding injury or damage to equipment and property.
Perform routine forklift maintenance, including checking fluids and tire pressure; replacing tires and minor parts; lubricating, cleaning, washing, spot painting, and removing rust.
Monitor indoor and outdoor boat-storage facilities to help ensure premises are safe and secure.
Repair boat storage racks, replace rack covers and wood as required, and adjust racks to fit individual boats.
Work with the Marina Manager to maximize storage use based on boat size, rack location, and facility usage.
Maintain boat-storage inventories, daily work logs, and daily opening and closing checklists.
Inspect gasoline storage tanks, pumps, lines, nozzles, and hoses daily and weekly for leaks, and immediately report discrepancies to base Civil Engineering, Liquid Fuels Shop.
Pressure wash marina areas and clean work and customer areas as needed.
Cut or trim grass within the marina as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.