Marina Technician (Forklift Operator / Dockhand)

About the role

We operate a dry stack and wet-berth marina with a fuel dock, an onsite boat club, and service-provider partners sharing the ramp and docks. We are looking for a marina technician to work the dock day to day: on the forklift, on the dock, and at the fuel dock.

This is a hands-on job. You will spend most of your day moving boats and working the docks, not behind a desk. You will work to the Dock Master's daily plan and our written procedures, and make sure your own work is done to standard: safely, in the right sequence, and documented.

This is a crew position with no supervisory or operations management duties. Ownership, the Property Manager, and the Dock Master have already set the operating rules, safety standards, schedules, and yard plan for this property. Your job is to follow them consistently, keep clear records, and bring anything that falls outside them to the Dock Master. You will not be asked to supervise staff, set policy, or settle disputes with our onsite partners. That sits above you, and you will have support when you need it.

What you'll do

• Operate the marine forklift to launch, retrieve, and rack vessels safely and efficiently, following the Dock Master's daily sequence and rack assignments
• Complete the daily forklift pre-use inspection and report any defect before operating
• Handle lines, fenders, and docking for customer, boat club, and wet-berth vessels
• Work cooperatively with our boat club and service-provider partners on staging and shared use of the ramp, docks, and fuel dock
• Operate the fuel dock, including attending fuel deliveries, and follow spill-prevention and environmental compliance procedures
• Operate the wash rack and keep wash water out of drains and the basin
• Inspect docks, pilings, pedestals, and the yard; handle routine upkeep, keep the property clean and hazard-free, and report damage the same day
• Help carry out hurricane and severe-weather preparation under the property's storm plan
• Document launches, retrievals, incidents, damage, and daily checks in our marina software and daily log

What we're looking for

Someone who works safely without being watched, and who writes things down.

A lot of this job is judgment in the moment: whether the wind is too strong for a particular lift, whether a hull is properly supported, whether a boat should go out at all. We want someone who is comfortable pausing an operation when something looks wrong, and who understands that "wait" is an acceptable answer even when someone is in a hurry.

Several parties operate on this property, each with their own schedules. You will work with all of them cooperatively. When someone asks for something that is not safe or is not permitted, you hold the safety line, explain why plainly, and bring it to the Dock Master. You do not have to win the argument. You just have to not give ground on safety, and get it on the record.

You will do well here if:

• You'd rather pause a lift and ask than guess
• You'd rather have the awkward conversation on the dock today than the damage claim next month
• You document as you go, so that when something gets questioned three weeks later, there is a record of what happened
• You are steady with customers and partners, including the ones having a bad day
• You take the standard you are given and hit it without needing to be chased

Requirements

• 3+ years of marina, boatyard, dry stack, or waterfront experience
• Documented prior powered industrial truck (forklift) training. Marine or negative-lift forklift experience strongly preferred.
• Experience handling vessels in a dry stack or boatyard environment; vessels here are up to 35 feet and 18,000 lbs
• Practical boat handling and seamanship: docking, line handling, knots, fendering
• Basic knowledge of fuel handling, dock hardware, and marine systems
• Willingness to complete forklift certification, Florida UST Class C fuel operator training, and safety training before working independently
• Ability to write a clear, factual incident or damage report
• Valid Florida driver's license and acceptable driving record. The forklift travels on a public alley
• Discretion regarding customer information and vessel activity

Preferred

• Experience on a Marine Travelift marine forklift or a similar negative-lift machine
• Florida Boating Safety Education ID
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification
• Marina management software experience (Molo, Dockwa, Speedy Dock, or similar)
• Fuel handling and spill response training
• Small engine, electrical, or general facility maintenance experience
• Ability to communicate in Spanish

Schedule and availability

Please read this section carefully before applying. The marina is busiest when everyone else is off, and the schedule reflects that.

• Full-time, hourly, 5 days per week, normally Saturday to Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend work is a standard part of this schedule, not an occasional request
• Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for hours over 40 in a week
• Holidays as scheduled. Holiday weekends are among our heaviest launch and retrieval days
• Storm call-outs during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). When a storm is tracking toward us, you may be called in to help secure vessels and equipment before it arrives, and to help with recovery afterward
• Early starts and weather-driven schedule changes are normal

Physical requirements and working conditions

With or without reasonable accommodation, this role requires the ability to:

• Work outdoors year-round in South Florida heat, sun, and rain
• Lift and carry 50 lbs unassisted
• Board vessels and work on, around, and over water
• Swim competently (ability to swim 50 yards and tread water for two minutes)
• Stand, walk, climb, and kneel for extended periods

Pre-employment

Offers are contingent on legal authorization to work in the United States, a background check, and a drug screen. New hires complete a 90-day introductory period.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment is at-will.

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Experience:

• Forklift & negative lift: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person