Laborer

Shipyard Laborer / Marine Trades Helper

Looking to start a career in the marine industry? We're hiring Shipyard Laborers / Marine Trades Helpers to support the maintenance and repair of U.S. Navy vessels in a fast-paced shipyard environment. This role combines fire watch duties, general labor, and hands-on support for skilled marine trades professionals, providing valuable exposure to ship repair, electrical, welding, and mechanical trades. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who enjoy physical work, overtime opportunities, and learning valuable trade skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform fire watch duties during welding, grinding, cutting, and other hot work operations to ensure a safe work environment.
• Assist marine trades personnel with ship repair, maintenance, and modernization projects aboard U.S. Navy vessels.
• Set up and stage tools, materials, and equipment required for daily work assignments.
• Move materials, equipment, and supplies throughout the shipyard and aboard vessels.
• Support electrical crews with cable pulling and basic trades-related tasks.
• Operate hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
• Clean and organize work areas before, during, and after projects.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and transporting materials across the shipyard.
• Climb ladders, navigate multiple vessel levels, and work in confined spaces as required.
• Follow all safety regulations, shipyard procedures, and PPE requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience performing labor-intensive work in construction, manufacturing, shipyards, industrial settings, or related environments.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools safely.
• Ability to lift 40-50 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Comfortable working extended hours and overtime as needed.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at varying heights.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and low-light environments aboard ships.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and following established procedures.
• Reliable attendance and willingness to support a variety of shipyard operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous shipyard, marine repair, construction, or industrial experience.
• Experience working as a trades helper, laborer, or fire watch attendant.
• Familiarity with cable pulling, electrical support work, or mechanical repairs.
• Experience working around welding, fabrication, grinding, or cutting operations.
• Ability to work effectively in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Desire to learn skilled marine trades and build a long-term career in the shipbuilding industry.

Why Join Our Team?

• Extensive overtime opportunities with the potential to significantly increase earnings.
• Gain hands-on experience working aboard active U.S. Navy vessels.
• Learn alongside experienced marine electricians, welders, pipefitters, and ship repair professionals.
• Excellent opportunity to develop valuable trade skills and advance within the marine industry.
• Dynamic work environment where no two days are the same.
• Long-term career potential within a growing and essential industry.

Work Environment

This position is based in a heavy industrial shipyard environment in Portland, OR. Employees work aboard large naval vessels and throughout the shipyard, supporting active repair and maintenance projects. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to noise, machinery, welding operations, and confined spaces. Team members regularly climb ladders, navigate tight compartments, wear required PPE, and work alongside skilled trades professionals in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment. Frequent overtime opportunities are available, including extended shifts of up to 12 hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland, OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.