Job Description
JOB INFORMATION:
Job Title: Equipment Operator - GCT Containers
Department(s): 4012 - Savannah Transload Facility; 5007 - COPS Yard & Vessel;
Location(s): Garden City Terminal
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Under the supervision of a Container Yard Manager, or the manager's designee, the Equipment Operator operates all container handling equipment and performs associated duties in a safe and productive manner. The work performance is to meet a standard of quality that facilitates our service commitments to our customers.
Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.
JOB DUTIES:
- Capable and willing to operate all of the major types of container field equipment including, but not limited to Jockey Truck, Forklift, Forklift with chassis flipper attachment, Toplift (full and empty), RTG, Grunt, and RMG; operating in a safe and efficient manner while loading and unloading containers and chassis.
- Willing and able to work productively in conjunction with vessel stevedoring and yard operations.
- Inspects assigned equipment in order to record its safe working condition and report mechanical and safety deficiencies to an immediate supervisor.
- Performs manual labor involving lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, climbing, walking, pushing and pulling.
- Performs all clerical duties related to receiving and delivering containers/chassis.
- Willing and able to learn RF system, computer, and other technology.
- Maintains accurate stack inventory from containers and chassis received and delivered to/from vessel, gate, rail, and warehouse.
- Responds to stevedore orders for equipment loading and unloading vessels. Records lease times for equipment as necessary.
- Checks for damage and/or exceptions on cargo and records and/or reports events accordingly.
- Guides or directs peers working within his/her jurisdiction.
- Must be able to conduct equipment training for new and promoted employees.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Possess working knowledge of heavy equipment, to facilitate the operation of RTGs and container cranes.Have the ability to work at heights of up to 75 feet.Perform manual labor involving lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, climbing, walking, pushing, and pulling.Be in good physical condition with excellent peripheral vision, night vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors.Hearing threshold of 40 decibels (dB) or less in either the left or right ear at the frequencies of 500 hertz (Hz), 1000 hertz (Hz), and 2000 hertz (Hz). Vision requirements: Visual acuity of 20/40 with or without corrective lenses for each eye, the minimum depth perception of 6/9, and minimum peripheral vision of 70 degrees for each eye.Must have good eye-hand-foot coordination, the ability to follow instructions, and perform routine, repetitive work.The ability to communicate in writing and to accomplish tasks from written instructions.Must be able to work shift work, holidays, and weekends when necessary.Must possess the ability to be trained as new technology is introduced into the workplace.Having the ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with GPA staff on all levels is required.Must have the ability to work in and make the work adjustment according to changes occurring in various weather conditions i.e., hot, cold, humid, wet, etc.Carry the ability to successfully complete training on new technology, as automation is introduced into the job.
Experience
Previous experience in heavy equipment operation, possession of a valid CDL, and some clerical experience are Preferred
Education
Required High School Diploma or equivalent
Licenses & Certifications
TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required Upon HireDriver's License - Valid state driver's license Required Upon Hire
Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Revised: 5/14/2026
Mission: To empower entrepreneurs, strengthen industries, sustain communities, and fortify families by relentlessly striving to accelerate global commerce.
