Marine Foreman

Darwin Recruitment; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is assisting a maritime logistics and terminal operator in New Orleans to find a Marine Terminal Foreman. This role involves leading daily cargo handling and stevedoring operations, ensuring safe and efficient cargo movement.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in marine terminal operations or related environment.
• Experience handling breakbulk, project cargo, or heavy lift cargo.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices, OSHA regulations, and hazard recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate terminal operations for safe cargo handling.
• Supervise operators during vessel loading and unloading.
• Conduct pre-shift planning meetings to review loading plans.

Skills

Breakbulk cargo operations

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational training in heavy equipment

Tools

Forklifts

Cranes

Loaders

Job description

Darwin is assisting a maritime logistics and terminal operator with their search for a Marine Terminal Foreman.

The Marine Terminal Foreman is responsible for leading daily cargo handling and stevedoring operations while ensuring the safe, efficient, and productive movement of cargo through a busy marine terminal. This hands‑on leadership role supervises operators and laborers during vessel loading and unloading activities, coordinates work assignments, and ensures equipment, personnel, and work areas are prepared to meet operational objectives. The ideal candidate has experience in breakbulk cargo operations, heavy equipment operation, and vessel loading activities, with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence in a fast‑paced port environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate daily terminal and stevedoring operations to ensure safe and efficient cargo handling.
• Supervise operators and laborers during vessel loading and unloading activities while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Conduct pre‑shift planning meetings and review vessel loading plans, cargo sequences, and operational priorities with terminal leadership.
• Inspect work areas, equipment, and cargo handling operations to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures.
• Verify that cranes, forklifts, loaders, and other cargo handling equipment are inspected, fueled, and ready for operation before each shift.
• Monitor cargo loading and discharge activities to maximize productivity while maintaining cargo integrity and quality standards.
• Provide on‑the‑job coaching, training, and mentoring to equipment operators and terminal personnel to support skill development and safe work practices.
• Communicate operational updates, equipment issues, staffing needs, and production progress with terminal management throughout each shift.
• Identify operational challenges and implement corrective actions to minimize delays and improve efficiency.
• Support terminal housekeeping, post‑operation cleanup, equipment care, and other duties as assigned to maintain a safe and organized work environment.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training in heavy equipment or terminal operations is a plus.
• Minimum of three years of experience in marine terminal operations, stevedoring, cargo handling, or a related industrial environment.
• Experience handling breakbulk, project cargo, steel products, or heavy lift cargo is strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience directing crews in a terminal, warehouse, or industrial setting.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, loaders, bulldozers, or other cargo handling machinery.
• Working knowledge of vessel loading and unloading procedures, cargo securing methods, and terminal operations.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices, OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, and hazard recognition.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to lead teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and in varying weather conditions as operational needs require.
• Must successfully complete all pre‑employment requirements, including physical examination, drug screening, and fit‑for‑duty assessment.