Stevedore Supervisor

Midwest Salt; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Vacation and PTO

Long-term opportunity

Job summary

Grit One's terminal in Chicago seeks a Stevedore Supervisor to run the dock during vessel and barge operations. You will direct loading/unloading, coordinate with vessel crews and terminal management, and ensure safety, scheduling, and compliance with maritime/OSHA standards.

You will lead crews, manage equipment, and monitor productivity while maintaining open communication with stakeholders and providing on-the-spot problem solving on the dock.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of stevedoring or bulk cargo experience, including leadership of a crew
• Valid TWIC card and ability to pass background and drug testing
• OSHA familiarity (1917/1918) and safety-focused mindset
• Experience with heavy equipment on dock or bulk terminals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and extended hours

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise vessel loading/unloading from berth to clear-out
• Direct stevedore crews, equipment operators, and laborers across shifts
• Coordinate with vessel crews, agents, and terminal management on plans
• Oversee material handlers and equipment as needed
• Direct barge handling including line handling and deck access
• Oversee discharge, clean-out, and stockpile placement
• Verify quantities, reconcile tonnage, and document discrepancies
• Inspect holds/barges for cleanliness and cargo condition
• Enforce safety rules and stop work when needed
• Conduct pre-shift briefings, checks, and incident reports
• Maintain compliance with USCG/MTSA security requirements
• Own shift productivity and report results to management
• Complete shift/tally reports and crew timekeeping
• Train and develop crew; support hiring and performance reviews

Skills

Leadership

Safety mindset

Communication

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

TWIC card

Tools

Crane & Rigging certification

OSHA 1917/1918 knowledge

Job description

About The Role

Grit One's terminal at the Port of Chicago handles bulk material by vessel, rail, and truck. The Stevedore Supervisor runs the dock during vessel and barge operations — directing the loading and unloading crew, coordinating with maritime officers and terminal management, and keeping the operation safe, on schedule, and compliant with maritime and OSHA requirements. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on the dock, solving problems in real time, and building a crew that works safely and moves cargo fast.

What You Will Do

• Plan and supervise vessel loading and unloading operations from berth to clear-out
• Direct and schedule stevedore crews, equipment operators, and laborers across shifts
• Coordinate with vessel crews, agents, and terminal management on stowage plans, sequencing, and turnaround
• Operate or oversee material handlers, wheel loaders, conveyors, and hoppers as needed
• Direct barge handling — cover removal and replacement, barge shifting, line handling, and safe deck access over open water
• Oversee clamshell and bucket crane discharge, hold clean-out, and stockpile placement
• Verify discharged quantities — coordinate draft surveys and reconcile tonnage against bills of lading
• Inspect holds and barges for cleanliness and cargo condition before and after discharge; document damage or contamination
• Enforce safety rules on the dock — PPE, fall protection, confined space, hot work, and vessel access — and stop work when conditions warrant
• Conduct pre-shift briefings, equipment checks, and incident reporting
• Maintain compliance with USCG/MTSA facility security requirements, including TWIC access control
• Own shift productivity — track tons per hour, labor hours, and downtime against plan, and report results to terminal management
• Complete and sign off on shift reports, tally sheets, equipment inspection logs, damage and incident reports, and crew timekeeping
• Train and develop crew members; support hiring and performance reviews

What You Bring

• 3+ years of stevedoring, marine terminal, or bulk cargo experience, including at least 1 year training & leading a crew
• Valid TWIC card
• Working knowledge of vessel operations, stowage, rigging and cargo securing
• Experience with heavy equipment in a dock or bulk material setting
• Strong safety mindset and knowledge of OSHA 1917 (Marine Terminals) and 1918 (Longshoring) standards
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call during vessel arrivals and peak season
• Reliable, clear communicator who can direct a crew and report up
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Comfortable with basic computer work — email, spreadsheets, and terminal reporting systems
• Able to pass a background check and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
• Crane & Rigging certification

Nice To Have

• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime or General Industry)
• Draft survey experience
• Forklift or loader certification
• Experience with salt, aggregate, or other bulk commodities
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Physical Requirements

Essential physical functions include walking on uneven surfaces and barge decks around open water; climbing ladders, gangways, and vertical access at significant heights; boarding vessels and barges; entering cargo holds and other confined spaces; lifting up to 50 lbs; and prolonged outdoor work in heat, cold, wet, dusty, and high-noise conditions. Requires clear communication in person and over two-way radio, along with depth perception and peripheral vision.
Grit One will consider reasonable accommodations that enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

What We Offer

• $38–$45 per hour, plus overtime
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and EAP
• 401(k)
• Vacation and PTO
• Long-term opportunity with a company that's expanding its port operations

Hiring Process

Selected candidates will complete a Predictive Index assessment before their interview and meet with the hiring team virtually via Microsoft Teams or on-site at the terminal.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change with or without notice to meet vessel scheduling and operational needs, and other duties may be assigned.

Grit One is an equal opportunity employer.