Forklift Operator / Material Handler (Contingent)

**This position is being posted in anticipation of a potential contract award. Employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability. AMP United, LLC is accepting applications to develop a qualified candidate pool for future consideration.

Company Overview

AMP United is a TURNKEY industrial preservation contractor specializing in large-scale surface preparation, coating application, containment, and scaffolding across the U.S. With personnel strategically located in Virginia, California, Washington, New Hampshire, and Hawaii, AMP United provides ship and industrial preservation services in support of NAVSEA, MARMC, SWRMC, and other DoD customers.

Learn more at www.ampunited.com

Position Summary

The Forklift Operator – Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, storage, and staging of materials, tools, and equipment in support of preservation and ship-repair operations at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).
This position operates powered industrial trucks, pallet jacks, and related handling equipment to transport materials between lay-down yards, piers, shops, and work sites in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, NAVSEA Standard Item 009-74, and AMP United procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and material-handling equipment to load, transport, and stage materials in shipyard and pier-side environments.
• Inspect forklifts daily and document safety checks in accordance with OSHA and manufacturer requirements.
• Secure, balance, and transport materials including drums, paint, blast media, hoses, and steel components safely across uneven shipyard terrain.
• Assist with loading/unloading trucks, containers, and barges using slings, chains, or pallet systems.
• Store and retrieve materials within designated warehouse or lay-down areas following inventory procedures.
• Maintain accurate counts and ensure material traceability per AMP United inventory-control protocols.
• Coordinate with production, QA, and logistics personnel to ensure timely material delivery to assigned job sites.
• Tag and segregate hazardous and non-hazardous materials per 29 CFR 1915.113 (Hazardous Substances).
• Comply with all traffic control, speed, and PPE requirements in Controlled Industrial Areas (CIAs).
• Report mechanical issues, unsafe conditions, or near-misses immediately to supervision.
• Assist with general material staging, housekeeping, and waste segregation efforts.
• Participate in pre-job briefs, toolbox talks, and post-job debriefs with AMP United and NNSY supervisors.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proficiency in the safe operation of forklifts (propane, diesel, or electric) up to 10,000 lbs capacity or higher.
• Knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 and NAVSEA Standard Item 009-74 forklift safety and inspection requirements.
• Understanding of shipyard traffic patterns, lay-down yard logistics, and pier-side operations.
• Ability to identify load ratings, center of gravity, and balance requirements.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with rigging, tie-down, and lifting devices.
• Ability to read and interpret load charts, placards, and work instructions.
• Strong communication and situational awareness in busy industrial environments.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and team-oriented work ethic.

Training and Certification Requirements

Forklift Operators / Material Handlers must complete and maintain the following before assignment:

• OSHA-Compliant Forklift Operator Certification
• Hazard Communication
• Respiratory Protection
• Confined / Enclosed Space Entry
• Fall Protection
• Lockout / Tagout (HEC / LOTP)
• Fire Watch / Tank Watch
• Shipyard Mandatory Annual Training
• First Aid / CPR certification

Security and Access Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and pass all background, drug, and security checks.
• Must possess or obtain a Secret Clearance.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two (2) years of material-handling or warehouse experience in an industrial, shipyard, or construction environment.
• Previous experience transporting industrial materials, coatings, or ship-repair equipment preferred.
• Certified forklift operator with demonstrated proficiency in operating multiple forklift types.
• Experience with basic rigging and load-securement a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and maneuver materials, pallets, and equipment safely.
• Prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, and operating machinery in hot, cold, or noisy conditions.
• Ability to operate forklifts for extended periods with frequent stops and directional changes.
• Must wear required PPE (hard hat, FR clothing, safety shoes, gloves, eye / ear protection, harness, and reflective vest).
• Must maintain fitness for duty and respirator qualification.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly wage and overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Ongoing training and career development through AMP University.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you understand that you must be a U.S. Citizen and pass all background, drug screenings, and security checks?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• industrial or shipyard material handling: 2 years (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $25