Marine Forklift Operator

Description

Established in 1969, Cigarette Racing has innovative vision and legendary style. Cigarette boats are uniquely hand-crafted in the United States and known globally for power, comfort, and luxury. Our high-level execution and premium quality are second to none and we stay committed to building the finest powerboats and center consoles in the world.

We are seeking a Marine Forklift Operator - Vessel Movement who will be responsible for safely moving, positioning, loading, and staging 41', 42', 52', and 59' high-performance vessels throughout the manufacturing facility and company property. This role operates heavy-capacity forklifts and material-handling equipment while protecting employees, vessels, equipment, and property.

The position requires forklift certification, strong spatial awareness, and strict compliance with OSHA standards and company safety procedures. The role also supports Facilities and Stockroom/Materials operations by moving materials, handling deliveries, relocating equipment, and meeting general facility needs.

Forklift & Vessel Movement

• Safely operate forklifts and authorized equipment to move, position, stage, load, and relocate 41', 42', 52', and 59' vessels.

• Evaluate vessel size, weight, balance, clearance, travel path, and surrounding conditions before movement.

• Ensure vessels are properly supported, balanced, and positioned while protecting finished surfaces and components from damage.

• Coordinate vessel movement with Production, Facilities, Quality Control, Service, and other departments.

• Use designated spotters and established communication procedures when maneuvering vessels in restricted or congested areas.

• Stage vessels as required for production, inspections, sea trials, service, transportation, and delivery.

Safety, OSHA & Equipment Compliance

• Maintain required forklift certification and operate equipment in accordance with OSHA standards, company procedures, and rated capacity requirements. 

• Perform required pre-use equipment inspections and promptly report mechanical issues, damage, or unsafe conditions. 

• Follow established vessel-movement procedures, including proper load positioning, use of spotters, and pedestrian/traffic safety practices. 

• Wear required PPE and immediately report accidents, near misses, or safety hazards. 

• Participate in required safety training and remove unsafe equipment from service when necessary. 

Facilities & Stockroom Support

• Support Facilities with equipment and material movement, general facility projects, cleanup, organization, and basic handyman-related tasks.

• Serve as a runner for Stockroom/Materials, transporting parts, supplies, tools, and equipment to production departments.

• Assist with receiving, loading, unloading, staging, and storing incoming materials and vendor deliveries.

• Support movement and organization of large or heavy inventory requiring forklift assistance.

• Maintain clean, organized, and unobstructed vessel staging and material-handling areas.

Equipment & Work Area Maintenance

• Maintain forklifts and assigned equipment in clean and safe operating condition. 

• Properly park, secure, and store equipment when not in use. 

• Report preventative maintenance or equipment servicing needs to Facilities or management.

This list is not exhaustive, and responsibilities may be subject to adjustment based on the evolving needs of the business.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred. 

• Experience operating heavy-capacity forklifts with large, oversized, or high-value loads required. 

• Experience moving boats, marine vessels, large vehicles, or oversized manufactured products strongly preferred. 

• Current forklift certification 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 effectively communicate with spotters and team members during vessel movement. 

• Experience in manufacturing, marine, warehouse, stockroom, or facilities operations preferred. 

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record preferred for runner/off-site responsibilities. 

• Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work independently.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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, depth perception, and spatial awareness 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 all applicable safety requirements. 

• May require overtime, early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends based on operational needs.

This role is based in a boat manufacturing or repair facility. The work environment may involve exposure to chemicals and fumes, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cigarette Holdings, LLC is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history, or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

A conditional offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check, in accordance with the Company's Drug-Free Workplace Program and applicable federal, state, and local laws.