Marine Forklift Operator

Cigarette Holdings LLC•Opa-locka, FL

54d•Onsite

About The Position

Cigarette Racing is seeking a Marine Forklift Operator responsible for safely moving, positioning, loading, and staging 41-, 42-, 52-, and 59-foot high-performance vessels throughout its manufacturing facility and company property. The role uses heavy-capacity forklifts and material-handling equipment while protecting employees, vessels, equipment, and property. It requires current forklift certification, strong spatial awareness, and compliance with OSHA standards and company safety procedures. The operator also supports Facilities and Stockroom/Materials operations by moving materials and equipment, assisting with deliveries, organizing work areas, and meeting general facility needs. The position is based in a boat manufacturing or repair facility and may involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, noise, dust, machinery, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Required PPE must be worn. The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Occasional overtime, early mornings, evenings, or weekend assignments may be required based on operational needs.

Requirements

Current forklift certification is required.
Experience operating heavy-capacity forklifts with large, oversized, or high-value loads is required.
Knowledge of forklift capacity, load stability, positioning, and safe operating practices.
Working knowledge of OSHA forklift and workplace safety requirements.
Strong spatial awareness, judgment, and attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with spotters and team members during vessel movement.
Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work independently.
Ability to operate forklifts and material-handling equipment for extended periods and frequently enter and exit equipment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, push, and pull throughout the workday.
Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Strong hand-eye coordination and depth perception for maneuvering large vessels.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors around vessels, machinery, moving equipment, noise, dust, chemicals, fumes, and varying temperatures.
Must wear required PPE and comply with applicable safety requirements.
May require overtime, early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends based on operational needs.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience moving boats, marine vessels, large vehicles, or oversized manufactured products strongly preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, marine, warehouse, stockroom, or facilities operations preferred.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record preferred for runner/off-site responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Safely operate forklifts and authorized equipment to move, position, stage, load, and relocate 41-, 42-, 52-, and 59-foot vessels.
Assess vessel size, weight, balance, clearance, travel path, and surrounding conditions before each move.
Ensure vessels are properly supported, balanced, and positioned, protecting finished surfaces and components from damage.
Coordinate vessel movements with Production, Facilities, Quality Control, Service, and other departments.
Use designated spotters and established communication procedures in restricted or congested areas.
Stage vessels for production, inspections, sea trials, service, transportation, and delivery.
Operate equipment in accordance with OSHA standards, company procedures, certification requirements, and rated-capacity limits.
Perform required pre-use equipment inspections and report mechanical issues, damage, and unsafe conditions.
Follow vessel-movement procedures, including safe load positioning, spotter use, and pedestrian and traffic safety practices.
Wear required PPE and report accidents, near misses, and safety hazards; participate in required safety training and remove unsafe equipment from service when necessary.
Support Facilities with equipment and material movement, facility projects, cleanup, organization, and basic handyman-related tasks.
Transport parts, supplies, tools, and equipment to production departments for Stockroom/Materials operations.
Assist with receiving, loading, unloading, staging, and storing incoming materials and vendor deliveries.
Move and organize large or heavy inventory requiring forklift assistance.
Keep vessel staging and material-handling areas clean, organized, and unobstructed.
Maintain forklifts and assigned equipment in clean and safe operating condition; park, secure, and store equipment properly when not in use.
Report preventative maintenance or equipment servicing needs to Facilities or management.