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Terminal Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator Headquartered in Houston, Texas, BWC Terminals is a premier provider of bulk ... Complete all loading and unloading according to established operational procedures. * Complete all ...

The Camanche, IA location is an ADM/ARTCO river terminal operation positioned on the Mississippi River at mile marker 158. The site supports barge, rail, and material-handling activity across bulk ...

DevOps Engineer

Urbandale, IA

$50 - $68.50/hr

... terminal commands/shell) * 1+ year(s) using Git (comfortable with command line tools) * Good ... These positions offer the opportunity to build a wealth of skills in DevOps and cloud technologies.

With experts in freight brokerage, rail and barge terminal services, warehouse management and ... Lead a high-impact logistics operation where you will oversee 10-15 direct reports across customer ...

With experts in freight brokerage, rail and barge terminal services, warehouse management and ... Lead a high-impact logistics operation where you will oversee 10-15 direct reports across customer ...

General Laborer

Buffalo, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure the safe operation of the terminal; maintain awareness for personal and co-workers safety and ensure knowledge and compliance with all policies and procedures.

Home Weekly | Hazmat & Doubles Required | Dedicated Terminal-to-Terminal Freight Are you an ... hook operation • Consistent dispatch from a nationally recognized carrier • Strong earning ...

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Terminal Operations information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$65.8K

$119.3K

How much do terminal operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal operations in Iowa is $65,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $73,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are terminal operations?

Terminal operations refer to the management and coordination of activities at transportation terminals, such as ports, airports, rail yards, or trucking depots. These operations include the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, storage, maintenance of equipment, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods or people through the facility. Terminal operators are responsible for safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They play a critical role in the supply chain by minimizing delays and optimizing throughput. Careers in terminal operations can range from management and logistics to equipment handling and customer service.

What are some common challenges faced in Terminal Operations, and how can new team members effectively handle them?

Terminal Operations professionals often deal with challenges such as coordinating logistics under tight deadlines, managing unexpected shipment delays, and ensuring strict safety compliance. New team members can effectively handle these by developing strong communication skills, staying organized, and being proactive in problem-solving. Regular collaboration with warehouse staff, transport coordinators, and security personnel is key to maintaining an efficient workflow and minimizing disruptions. Continuous learning and adaptability also help in navigating evolving operational procedures and technologies.

How do terminal operators make money?

Terminal operators earn revenue by charging fees for services such as cargo handling, storage, and equipment use at the port or terminal. They may also generate income through leasing space, providing logistics services, and managing operations efficiently using specialized tools and certifications. Their income depends on the volume of cargo processed and contractual agreements with shipping companies and clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Terminal Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Terminal Operations, you need a solid understanding of logistics, inventory management, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant experience or certifications in supply chain or transportation. Familiarity with terminal operating systems (TOS), cargo tracking software, and equipment like cranes and forklifts is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for coordinating teams and ensuring smooth operations. These abilities are vital to maintain efficient, safe, and compliant terminal workflows that support timely cargo movement.

What do you do as a terminal operator?

A terminal operator manages the loading, unloading, and movement of cargo or containers at a port or terminal. They operate equipment such as cranes and forklifts, monitor safety procedures, and ensure efficient handling of goods, often working with logistics software and adhering to safety regulations.

What does terminal operations mean?

Terminal operations refer to the management and coordination of activities at transportation hubs such as ports, airports, or freight terminals. These operations include cargo handling, scheduling, safety procedures, and equipment management to ensure efficient movement of goods and passengers. Workers often use tools like forklifts and require safety certifications to perform their duties effectively.

What is the difference between Terminal Operations vs Dockworker?

AspectTerminal OperationsDockworker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, sometimes CDLHigh school diploma, safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentPort terminals, shipping yards, often indoors/outdoorsDockside, port areas, outdoors
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, logistics firmsShipping lines, port authorities, freight companies
Job ResponsibilitiesOverseeing cargo handling, coordinating logistics, managing equipmentLoading/unloading cargo, handling containers, basic equipment operation

While both roles operate within port and shipping environments, Terminal Operations involves overseeing entire cargo processes and logistics management, whereas Dockworkers focus on physically loading and unloading cargo. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the shipping and logistics industry.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In terminal operations, high-paying roles such as terminal managers, logistics directors, and operations executives can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and industry certifications. These positions often require strong management skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes advanced degrees or specialized training.
What are popular job titles related to Terminal Operations jobs in Iowa? For Terminal Operations jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Terminal Operations job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,842 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Terminal Operator

Legal Disclaimer

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Terminal Operator

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, BWC Terminals is a premier provider of bulk liquid storage and logistics services to refiners, manufacturers, and distributors of bulk liquids in North America. The Company consists of 22 sites with over twenty million barrels of storage capacity. The BWC Terminals facilities are equipped to store a wide range of petroleum, chemical, renewables, and agricultural products.

Job Overview

The Terminal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and quality-conscious unloading and loading of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid products to or from storage tanks, railcars, trucks, vessels, barges, and any other means specific to the Terminal. The operator will ensure that the work is performed safely and consistently, in accordance with operating policies and procedures, while meeting or exceeding the supervisor's expectations.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Safely and efficiently load/unload/blend hazardous and non-hazardous trucks and railcars.
  • Complete all loading and unloading according to established operational procedures.
  • Complete all paperwork accurately and in compliance with regulations.
  • Assist with aligning tanks for tank-to-tank transfer or blending of products by gauging the tanks first and then opening the appropriate valves before turning on the pumps for transfer.
  • Perform or assist in performing preventive and regular maintenance duties of the Terminal, along with general housekeeping of the work area.
  • Using heavy equipment, hoses, and similar items.
  • Interact and communicate professionally and appropriately with coworkers and visitors.
  • Take the initiative to identify problems, use judgment to find appropriate solutions, and follow through on resolving issues promptly.
  • Support team efforts, actively work to generate respect and enthusiasm, cooperate with others, and learn from other team members.
  • Report to work on time, prepared to perform the duties of the position, and willing to perform the duties as workload necessitates.
  • Employees shall comply with applicable regulatory and company health, safety, environmental, and security requirements. Employees are expected to complete the required training in a timely manner, perform duties in a safe and environmentally sound manner, and immediately report injuries/illnesses, environmental spills/releases, and any unsafe acts or conditions to supervision in support of continual improvement of the company's health, safety, environmental, and security performance.
  • NOTE: Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Qualifications

To perform the duties of this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below outline the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • High School degree or GED.
  • 0-2 years of terminal operator experience. Minimum (on-the-job training acceptable) experience in equipment maintenance.
  • Must have a valid Driver's License.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Customer service focus.
  • Ability to distinguish colors.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or rotating shift (8-hour or 12-hour) as determined by terminal management.
  • Ability to become certified and operate a motor vehicle, track mobile, forklift, boiler, and similar equipment.
  • Ability to wear safety equipment, including full face respirator, shoes, goggles, gloves, personal flotation devices, fall protection, chemical resistant suits, steel-toe safety shoes, flame retardant outerwear (location specific), and similar equipment.
  • Mechanically inclined and able to connect pipelines, hoses, drop tubes, safety cages, and similar equipment.
  • Ability to perform basic math, read and complete documents and other paperwork pertaining to non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals and the transfer, handling, and storage of same.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers and co-workers.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, change duties throughout the day, and work with various individuals.
  • Ability to interact with others in a professional and appropriate demeanor and maintain effective working relationships with staff and customers.
  • Ability to work independently with general direction from supervisor.
  • Ability to carry out the duties of this position while helping the company to meet its mission and while adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations, especially safety regulations.
  • Ability to work as part of the Terminal Security Force.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

The working conditions and environment, as well as the physical requirements and activities listed below, are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions and Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the individual is often exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including rain, heat/cold, noise, fumes, grease, oil, noxious odors, cleaning chemicals, paints, glues, and solvents. Approximately 90-100% of the workday is spent outdoors.

Physical Requirements/Activities: While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance on ladders of heights of 15-65', walk on elevated walkways, docks, railcars, and tanks, access confined areas/railcar bottoms, carry and reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, feel, and use tools and equipment and communicate (talk and hear). This position requires standing, bending, stooping, walking, and climbing for approximately 90% of the workday. Frequently, employees are required to kneel, bend, crawl, crouch, push, pull, lift, or twist. Occasionally, the employee must lift or exert more than 50 pounds of force. Frequently, employees are required to lift or exert a force of up to 25 pounds. The specific vision abilities required are close vision of 20 inches or less and distance vision of greater than 3 feet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

BWC Terminals provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.