1

Terminal Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Operator-US

Spencer, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Operations Job Summary: The purpose of the Operator position is to carry out the processes of ... Ammonia terminal operators are required to function as emergency responders in the event of a ...

Operations JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt SHIFT: Monday-Friday, (6:30am-4:30pm) PAY: $31.00/hr + $5,000 ... Delivers and/or picks up freight to/from customer locations and/or a terminal as instructed by ...

Class A Linehaul Driver - $0.78/mi

Spencer, IA · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Driving a tractor trailer long-distance between terminal locations to pick up and drop off freight ... regulations for the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Qualifications Minimum ...

Shop Painter/Blaster

Clive, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Through our two global business units - Storage Solutions, the world leader in tanks, terminals, and storage systems, and Asset Solutions, a leading provider of operations, management, wells and ...

Operator-US

Spencer, IA

$16.75 - $22/hr

Operations Job Summary: The purpose of the Operator position is to carry out the processes of ... Ammonia terminal operators are required to function as emergency responders in the event of a ...

$24 - $31.25/hr

... Terminal's equipment is functioning properly, when needed. Along with mechanical support, must ... Desire to cross-train in operational positions such as, loaders, dozers, locomotives and cranes

Class A Linehaul Driver - $0.78/mi

Spencer, IA · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Driving a tractor trailer long-distance between terminal locations to pick up and drop off freight ... operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Minimum Requirements: • A minimum age of 23. • A ...

Class A Linehaul Driver - $0.78/mi

Spencer, IA · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Driving a tractor trailer long-distance between terminal locations to pick up and drop off freight ... the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: • A ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Terminal Operations information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$65.8K

$119.3K

How much do terminal operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.

Is terminal based on a true story?

Terminal operations as a job involve managing the loading, unloading, and movement of cargo at transportation hubs like ports and airports. These roles are based on real industry practices and do not typically relate to a specific true story. They require knowledge of logistics, safety protocols, and often certification in handling hazardous materials or operating equipment.

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.

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.

Is Tom Hanks speaking a real language in The Terminal?

Terminal Operations professionals do not typically analyze language authenticity in films. In The Terminal, Tom Hanks's character speaks a constructed language for the story, but in real life, actors often use real languages or gibberish depending on the role. Language skills are not a core requirement for terminal operations jobs.

What is the definition of a terminal?

A terminal in the context of terminal operations is a facility where cargo, goods, or passengers are transferred between different transportation modes, such as ships, trucks, or trains. It typically includes infrastructure like docks, storage areas, and equipment for loading and unloading. Workers in terminal operations often use tools like cranes and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient handling and movement of goods.

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 does being terminal mean?

In the context of terminal operations, being terminal refers to working at a transportation or shipping terminal where cargo, containers, or freight are loaded, unloaded, stored, and transferred. It involves coordinating logistics, operating equipment like cranes and forklifts, and ensuring efficient movement of goods within the facility.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,842 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

$16.75 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


CF Industries rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 89 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. Our employees are focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management. By joining CF, you will be part of a team that brings their varied experiences, wide-ranging knowledge and diverse talents together to deliver important work and you'll be able to pursue complex, exciting opportunities that help you continue to grow and achieve your potential in different areas. You'll take pride in working for a company that lives its values and where you can be yourself at work, as part of an authentic team that encourages you to share your views and opinions. Our eight manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy.
Function:
Operations
Job Summary:
The purpose of the Operator position is to carry out the processes of: loading and unloading product, storing product and maintaining the grounds, buildings and equipment used during operations. This position, alongside others at the site, will be expected to work flexible shifts to support the business cycle of our customers, which may occasionally include evenings and weekends as required. Shift work is required for this role.
Job Description:
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Daily responsibilities/duties of the Operator may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
    • Perform product loading and unloading functions and associated duties, in accordance with established operating procedures.
    • Maintain operating equipment, buildings and grounds in accordance with operating procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, inspecting equipment; performing mechanical maintenance; advising appropriate personnel of or rectifying unsafe equipment or conditions; and, general cleaning of all terminal areas and ordering of supplies.
    • Understand and apply principles of refrigeration systems, as appropriate. This includes testing and recording sample results, and, monitoring/recording gauge readings as appropriate.
    • Maintain and update appropriate manuals and records/paperwork accurately.
    • Comply with all training, environmental, health and safety programs of the Company/industry.
    • Assist with training and development of other operators as appropriate.
    • Interact and/or coordinate with Emergency Response Personnel discussions and/or training regarding environmental, health and safety situations.
    • Perform hazardous material response/remediation duties should a hazardous material spill occur.
    • Progress through and maintain skills acquired in the Operator Progression Program.
    • Perform other duties requested by facility management necessary for proper operation of the facility (i.e. recordkeeping, development /implementation of procedures).
    • Perform maintenance duties or provide assistance to emergency situations at other Company locations as directed by Company management personnel.
    • Participate in the development and implementation of capital and maintenance projects.
    • Assume management responsibilities of facility when facility manager is absent.

Successful incumbents will have:
  • High School graduate or equivalent; plus equivalent of 2 years college, Military/technical training, or related work experience
  • Ability to understand and follow operating procedures
  • Refrigeration knowledge commensurate with position level
  • Good communication skills
  • HAZMAT certified (post-employment requirement)
  • Ability and initiative to exercise independent or team-oriented action
  • Must have basic computer skills and be capable of data entry and information retrieval
  • Read, write, communicate and comprehend the English language.

Position Scope/Contribution:
Travel
  • May be required to travel to and work at different facility locations for limited periods of time.

Working Conditions:
  • Works in variety of environmental conditions (extreme cold/heat, humidity, wind, rain, snow, ice, etc.).
  • Works with hazardous chemicals (including emergency response requirements discussed below).
  • Incumbents are "on-call" (24 hours per day) for pre-designated time periods. While "on-call", incumbents must be located within reasonable proximity of facility (approx. 30 min-45 min driving time).
  • Maneuvers over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
  • Regularly assumes physically awkward and stressful positions.
  • Occasionally required to climb to and maneuver at heights of approximately 80-100 ft.
  • Works at computer terminals and monitors facility processes during product loading.
  • Applicant must have the ability to work in a continuous operating environment.
  • Shift work is required. 12 hours rotating shifts (6am to 6pm; 6pm to 6am). Work may be necessary on nights, holidays, and weekends with little or no advanced notice on occasion.

Emergency Response Personnel Requirements:
Ammonia terminal operators are required to function as emergency responders in the event of a hazardous material (anhydrous ammonia) spill. There are two basic roles which operators could be expected to perform: (1) Hazardous Material Technician and (2) Incident Commander (under 29 CFR 1910.120(q)). Points of note are:
  • The usual exposure level will be below the PEL. In an emergency situation the exposure level could be immediately dangerous to life and health (see MSDS for PEL and IDLH). For initial entry, personal protective equipment will be used including a Level A encapsulated suit and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which weighs approximately 35 lbs
  • Emergency response may be indoors or outside where weather conditions can range from extreme heat to extreme cold
  • Medical treatment of victims is designated to local community emergency responders but the Incident Commander and Hazardous Material Technicians could administer first aid and CPR on a Good Samaritan basis in an emergency

Hazardous Materials Technician - Physical requirements:
  • Wear Level A protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus in order to perform offensive measures to patch, plug or stop a leak of anhydrous ammonia. Time spent in the Level A Suit is generally limited to 15-20 minutes. The weight of the SCBA is approximately 35 lbs.
  • Deploy approximately 200 ft. of fire hose at critical downwind locations.
  • Use tools (e.g., wrenches, hammers, wedges, etc.) to plug piping leaks.
  • Remove victims to a safe location for treatment of medical personnel (including confined space removal/retrieval).
  • Perform diking or ditching measures using sandbags and shovels to contain water flows on site
  • Climb stairs to the top of an ammonia tank (approx. 90 feet high) carrying 50 lbs. of equipment while ascending the stairs.
  • Install valves in an ammonia piping system.
  • Haul emergency response equipment (i.e.; Level A suits, Biopaks, rubber boots) to designated incident command locations.
  • Assist local fire department and authorities, as needed.
  • Operate mobile and heavy equipment (front-end loader, pick-up truck) to contain spills.

Incident Commander - Roles and Physical Requirements:
  • The role of Incident Commander involves guiding and directing emergency response efforts from an upwind location. The Incident Commander typically functions in Level D protective gear (normal work clothes). Physical activities are restricted to surveillance of the response area and assisting the Hazardous Material Technicians into their protective gear.

What We Offer:
You'll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, a well-being incentive program, 401k, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
You will be part of a team that brings their varied experiences, wide-ranging knowledge and diverse talents together to deliver important work, and you'll be able to pursue complex, exciting opportunities that help you continue to grow and achieve your potential in different areas. You'll take pride in working for a company that lives its values and gain a sense of fulfillment knowing that you're working with purpose, to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably.
FMLA:
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
  • Employees in Canada can learn more about their rights by viewing the "Canadian Human Rights Act".

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at CF Industries, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call 847-405-2400 or contact us at talentacquisition@cfindustries.com.
JOIN OUR TALENT NETWORK

What CF Industries employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom