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Terminal Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator The Terminal Operator is responsible for all product movements involving chemical handling of barges, rail cars and tank trucks. This includes the safe handling of customer stored ...

Terminal Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Responsibilities The Terminal Operator position, is critical in supporting our company by performing a combination of duties in a professional, safe and efficient manner. In this position, you will ...

Operator must be able to complete a pre and post track check to determine the accuracy of loads and empties on the train list. * Must be able to be attentive and alert to safely operate door guns and ...

Terminal Operator- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.26 - $40.76/hr

Perform all functions of Terminal Operations as directed by work orders and/or supervision consistent with standard operating procedures, state and local regulations in a safe, timely and cost ...

Operator must be able to complete a pre and post track check to determine the accuracy of loads and empties on the train list. * Must be able to be attentive and alert to safely operate door guns and ...

Operator must be able to complete a pre and post track check to determine the accuracy of loads and empties on the train list. * Must be able to be attentive and alert to safely operate door guns and ...

Operator must be able to complete a pre and post track check to determine the accuracy of loads and empties on the train list. * Must be able to be attentive and alert to safely operate door guns and ...

Terminal Operator- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.26 - $40.76/hr

Perform all functions of Terminal Operations as directed by work orders and/or supervision consistent with standard operating procedures, state and local regulations in a safe, timely and cost ...

Operator Terminal

Hammond, IN · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

Operator Terminal

Hammond, IN · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

Operator Terminal

Riverdale, IL · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

Operator Terminal

Dolton, IL · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Dolton, IL is looking for a Terminal Operator to join their team. This role will be responsible for completing all assigned warehouse duties in a safe and responsible manner. Why work ...

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Terminal Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$22

$29

How much do terminal operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for terminal operator in Chicago, IL is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a terminal operator?

To thrive as a Terminal Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and basic knowledge of safety procedures and logistics operations. Familiarity with terminal management systems, industrial equipment, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain safety, prevent operational disruptions, and ensure smooth handling of goods in terminal environments.

What are some common challenges faced by terminal operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Terminal Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining safety standards while handling hazardous materials, coordinating logistics under tight schedules, and operating complex machinery in varying weather conditions. Effective management of these challenges involves thorough training, adherence to strict safety protocols, and clear communication with team members and supervisors. Developing strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills can also help Terminal Operators quickly address unexpected issues, ensuring safe and efficient terminal operations.

What is the difference between Terminal Operator vs Dock Worker?

AspectTerminal OperatorDock Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety training
Work EnvironmentPorts, terminals, and shipping yards with machineryDockside, ships, and cargo areas
Industry UsageShipping, logistics, transportationShipping, freight, cargo handling
Job FocusOperating machinery, managing cargo movementLoading/unloading cargo, manual labor

While both roles are essential in port operations, Terminal Operators focus on operating equipment and managing cargo flow, whereas Dock Workers handle manual loading and unloading tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within port and shipping industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Terminal Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Terminal Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Terminal Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Terminal Operator is responsible for all product movements involving chemical handling of barges, rail cars and tank trucks. This includes the safe handling of customer stored products based on the operating procedures and will minimize negative impacts to the environment in all areas of operation. This position will identify and record problems (non-conformances, incidents and near misses); initiate, provide, implement and verify solutions to those problems, and provide continuous improvement in all areas pertaining to the job which include quality, health, safety, security, and environmental.


Responsibilities

  • Adhere to all facility rules, company policies, safety, and operational procedures.
  • Reporting all incidents and unsafe situations immediately to the Supervisor.
  • Barge product movements, loading, unloading, connection, and disconnection of hose(s).
  • Rail car product movements, loading, unloading, connection, and disconnection of hose(s); including use of track mobile for movement of rail car.
  • Tank truck loading and unloading.
  • Provide safe handling and documentation on blends, pipeline transfers, gauging and other related duties.
  • Ensure that all operations are conducted in a clean and efficient manner and house cleaning is kept up.
  • Attend all required safety, environmental and operations training classes.
  • Ensure proper tank temperature for customer's product.
  • Ensure that all task paperwork that a Terminal Operator is responsible for is filled out in its entirety. This includes all truck, rail car, barge and transfer paperwork associated with movement.
  • Any other duties as directed by the Supervisor pertaining to the safety, efficiency, and quality operations of this facility

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Driver's License
  • TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) for access to IMTT's terminal locations.

Skills and Abilities

  • Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
  • Ability to make decisions in a variable environment.
  • Ability to communicate with all other terminal departments.
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Mathematical and analytical skills

Hours of Work

  • Typical Hours of operation are Sunday 11pm through Friday 11pm, with shifts from 7am to 3pm; 3pm to 11pm and 11pm to 7am; and varying shifts as needed.
  • This is a non-exempt, hourly position. Employees are scheduled to work assigned shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. All hours worked must be accurately recorded, and overtime is paid in accordance with FLSA and company policy.
  • Occasional travel may be necessary, sometimes with little or no advance notice

Physical and Environmental Demand

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • This job operates mainly in an outside environment.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb, bend, stoop, kneel and lift up to 45 pounds.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces, over water and not be afraid of heights.
  • Must be able to operate manual valves. Must be able to properly distinguish measurements and increments on a gauging tape and pressure gauges.
  • Physical requirements include, but may not be limited to, walking up and down stairs / ladders including heights over 40 feet, negotiating uneven surfaces, and carrying up to 45 pounds.
  • Ability to see (20/20) with no color vision deficiencies and hear either naturally or using corrective lenses or hearing aids
  • Ability to stand or walk for extensive periods of time
  • Ability to use hand tools and be able to exert a reasonable push/pull force
  • Ability to wear a respirator as certified through a medical examination by a licensed physician
  • Perform mathematical addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems (manually or using a calculator).
  • Must be able to pass a physical ability test, medical examination, and drug test. This position is also subjected to random drug screening.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The company reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary with or without notice.


IMTT is an equal opportunity employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran and a drug free workplace. We exercise high ethical standards and are committed to complying with all laws in the jurisdiction where we conduct business. Our internal policies and procedures support this commitment.

If you like working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!