Entry Level Commodity Trader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Your Job
KCBX Terminals Company is looking for an entry-level Operations Technician to join our team in Chicago, IL. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are eager to learn, have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude to develop industrial operations skills, and build a long-term career in a bulk material handling environment.
As an Operations Technician, you will receive hands-on training and development opportunities while learning terminal operations, equipment operation, maintenance practices, and safety procedures. You will work alongside experienced team members to develop skills operating both light and heavy equipment, supporting material transfer operations, and maintaining safe and reliable terminal performance.
This position follows a rotating shift schedule that supports 24/7 operations and includes both day and night shifts. Employees receive their schedules in advance.
Our Team
Koch Minerals, LLC and its subsidiaries are among the world's largest dry-bulk commodity handlers, serving over 900 customers in the power generation and chemical industrial sectors and municipalities.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
What You Will Do

• Transfer and handle bulk materials safely and efficiently.
• Operate locomotives and rail equipment within the facility.
• Operate skid steers, bobcats, and other mobile equipment.
• Load and unload products from barges, vessels, railcars, and trucks.
• Complete daily safety, environmental, and compliance activities.
• Perform routine inspections and basic equipment troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate operational records and reports using Microsoft Office.
• Collaborate with team members to support safe and reliable operations.
• Participate in training, emergency response, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support housekeeping and general facility maintenance activities.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Must have or willing to obtain a TWIC Card
• Must have a valid driver's license

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform manual labor (shoveling, lifting up to 50 lbs.)
• Ability to use sledgehammer and pinch bar
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to work outdoors in various types of weather
• Shift work with rotating 8/10/12 hour schedule; must arrive to work on time
• Ability to work mandatory overtime hours for vessel loading
• Ability to work in a standing, crouching, or bending position for prolonged periods of time

What Will Put You Ahead

• Bilingual - English and Spanish
• Experience working in heavy industry, chemical production, or military experience
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.
• Locomotive or rail industry experience.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
For this role, we anticipate paying $19.00 - $21.00 per hour. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
Koch Minerals, LLC and its subsidiaries are among the world's largest dry-bulk commodity handlers, serving over 900 customers in the power generation and chemical industrial sectors and municipalities. Koch Minerals also markets and trades more than 40 million tons of product annually. Subsidiaries include:
• Koch Carbon, LLC globally trades and transports petroleum coke, coal, cement, pulp and paper, sulfur and other related commodities through a network of bulk terminals in the United States and Europe.
• KCBX Terminals Company, a subsidiary of Koch Carbon, owns and operates the KCBX Terminal in Chicago. The terminal provides docking and loading services for petroleum coke, coal, salt, slag, cement, clinker, and ocean freight. Additionally, the company provides trading, handling, and transportation services.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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