Marine Terminal Lead: Safe Cargo Handling & Ops

Darwin Recruitment; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is assisting a maritime logistics and terminal operator in recruiting a Marine Terminal Foreman. This hands-on leadership role directs daily cargo handling and stevedoring activities, supervises crews during vessel loading/unloading, and ensures equipment and work areas meet safety and efficiency targets.

The candidate will plan shifts, review loading plans, and mentor operators, while maintaining strong safety practices in a fast-paced port environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational training in heavy equipment/terminal operations

Tools

Forklifts

Cranes

Loaders

Bulldozers

Job description

Darwin Recruitment is assisting a maritime logistics and terminal operator in recruiting a Marine Terminal Foreman. This hands-on leadership role directs daily cargo handling and stevedoring activities, supervises crews during vessel loading/unloading, and ensures equipment and work areas meet safety and efficiency targets.

The candidate will plan shifts, review loading plans, and mentor operators, while maintaining strong safety practices in a fast-paced port environment.