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Terminal Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Terminal Operations information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$69.5K

$125.9K

How much do terminal operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal operations in Virginia is $69,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,100.00 and $77,300.00 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Terminal Operations jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Terminal Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Terminal Operations jobs in Virginia? For Terminal Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Terminal Operations jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Terminal Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Terminal Operations job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,498 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Seeking Heavy Equipment Operators for work located in Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth, VA. All candidates are required to pass a test.

Responsibilities:

  • Be at designated work station and ready to work at the start of the designated shift
  • Perform daily checks of rolling stock and report any maintenance requirements to the supervisor.
  • Properly operate equipment including heavy equipment on below list and being observed to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of operating each piece of equipment.
  • Load trucks, trailers and/or railcars in accordance with picking ticket provided by Customer Service
  • Notify Customer Service when a load is completed and verbally confirm load information
  • Load and Unload vessels, barges, trucks, trailers and/or railcars
  • Perform position assigned duties at docks or other areas of the terminal as trained and according to needs of terminal operations.
  • Execute daily work instructions and perform other duties as assigned from Supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Maintain and take care of any assigned equipment, tools and uniforms


Heavy Equipment List

  • Volvo L120
  • Volvo L180
  • Cat 914
  • Cat 926
  • Cat 938
  • Genie S60
  • Genie 105
  • Bronson Sweeper
  • JD 544
  • Cat 1055


Authority:

  • To “Tag Out” any equipment that is in need of maintenance
  • To give instructions to Material Handler I (not disciplinary action)


Expectation:

  • Must be flexible with work schedule to accommodate incoming vessels and barges coming to port at any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays and weekends.
  • Must pass all required safety and terminal operations training.
  • To work safely and incident free.
  • Must wear necessary personal protection equipment at all times.
  • Must utilize two-way radio communications, respond to all radio checks and radio summons.
  • Must work in an environment that is mainly outside with exposure to heat, cold and rain or in buildings without heating or air conditioning.
  • Must work in an environment with exposure to mud, dirt, dust and other small air borne particles.
  • Establish and maintain good customer relations with drivers and treat them in a respectful manner.
  • Ensure the safety and well being of drivers.

Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992