Marina Forklift Operator
About Palm Cove Marina
Palm Cove Marina is Jacksonville’s largest and finest marina, featuring over 120 wet slips and 425 indoor dry slips on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. We provide top-quality fuel services, premium amenities, on-site service, fine dining, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps boaters returning year after year. Our team is committed to delivering outstanding service and maintaining a safe, friendly environment for all guests.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dependable, experienced Marina Forklift Operator to join our marina operations team. This position combines the responsibilities of a Marina Dock Hand with the specialized responsibility of safely operating marina forklifts to launch, retrieve, move, and store customer boats.
IMPORTANT — MARINE FORKLIFT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
This is NOT an entry-level forklift position. We are specifically seeking applicants with prior experience operating a forklift in a pleasure-boating marina.
General forklift experience in a warehouse, construction, manufacturing, or similar environment does not qualify. Applicants must be comfortable safely maneuvering boats in a marina environment and working around docks, vessels, trailers, and other equipment.
Experience with a Wiggins Marina Bull or similar marine forklift is strongly preferred.
If you have not previously operated a forklift in a pleasure-boating marina, please do not apply.
If you do have marine forklift experience, please take the additional step of calling us directly at 904-223-4757 after submitting your Indeed application. We want to speak with qualified, experienced operators directly.
The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of forklift operating experience, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy marina environment. This position requires someone who is dependable, comfortable working outdoors, and committed to providing excellent customer service.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate marina forklifts, including Wiggins Marina Bull equipment, to launch, retrieve, transport, and store customer boats
- Properly position boats in dry-storage racks and staging areas while maintaining constant awareness of personnel, boats, vehicles, structures, and equipment
- Perform routine forklift inspections, follow safe operating procedures, and promptly report mechanical, equipment, or safety concerns
- Assist boaters with docking and departure
- Handle lines, secure boats, and monitor slip assignments
- Operate fuel pumps and refuel boats safely
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe docks, slips, dry-stack areas, and marina grounds
- Perform routine trash and recycling removal
- Provide information about marina services and local waterways
- Perform basic maintenance tasks and assist with light repairs as needed
- Observe and report safety or maintenance concerns
- Deliver professional and courteous customer service at all times
- Assist with general marina operations and other duties as needed
Qualifications
- 2–3 years of forklift operating experience required
- Previous marina forklift experience required
- Wiggins Marina Bull experience strongly preferred
- Previous marine, dry-stack, or heavy equipment experience is a strong plus
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe equipment operation
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and good communication skills
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks
- Dependable and punctual with a flexible schedule
- Weekend and holiday availability required
- Valid driver’s license preferred
- Must be able to follow established safety procedures and work effectively as part of a team
Benefits
- $18.00 – $19.50 per hour, based on experience
- Gratuity based industry
- 40-hour work week
- 4 – 10 hour days
- Fully paid employee health insurance
- Paid time off (PTO) – 16 days after 1st year
- $3,000 annual IRA match
- Advancement opportunities
- Beautiful waterfront work environment
- Supportive, team-oriented workplace
Work Location
In person at Palm Cove Marina
14603 Beach Blvd, Unit 100
Jacksonville, Florida 32250
Pay: $18.00 - $19.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Marina Forklift: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
