Description

Fairwinds Terminal Services is committed to delivering exceptional service and quality. We take pride in our dedication to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Join our dynamic team and become part of our mission to exceed expectations.

We are seeking motivated and detail-oriented Terminal Service Operators to join our operations team. As a Terminal Service Operator, you will be responsible for managing the flow of goods and services within our terminal facilities, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely load and unload vessels, trucks, and other transport units in support of dock and stevedoring operations.
• Operate terminal equipment including forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, cranes (as qualified), and other cargo-handling machinery.
• Assist in crane signaling operations and rigging activities during cargo movement.
• Perform line handling, cargo securing, and general dock support functions.
• Transfer cargo between vessels, storage areas, and transportation equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of cargo receipts, shipments, inventory, and discrepancies.
• Ensure cargo is handled in accordance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and perform minor maintenance as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in all work areas including docks, warehouses, and equipment yards.
• Work in cargo holds, on vessel decks, and alongside waterways in varying weather conditions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, equipment operators, vessel crews, and team members to ensure coordinated operations.
• Assist with training new team members as needed.
• Comply with all company policies, safety standards, and federal, state, and maritime regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives
• Other duties as assigned

Position Type

• This is not a Remote position.
• This position operates in an in-person work environment.

Requirements

Education / Years of Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications preferred.
• Previous experience in terminal operations or a similar role is a plus.
• Prior rigging and forklift experience preferred
• Prior experience working on vessels preferred

Skills

• Strong safety awareness and hazard recognition
  
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment operation proficiency
  
• Knowledge of stevedoring and dock operations
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Licensure / Certification / Credentials

• TWIC badge is required.
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to provide documentation verifying employment eligibility.
• Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license.

Availability

• Full Time - 7 Days a week - Rotational Shifts : Monday - Sunday 
• Overnights and weekends

Location / Commuting / Travel:

• Worksite: 500 Orapax St, Norfolk, VA 23507
• Candidates must currently reside within commuting distance of the Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Newport News, or Portsmouth.
• Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from work locations.
• Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates slightly outside the described region who are comfortable with an extended commute are welcome to apply.

Work Environment

• Outdoor port and dock environments
• Exposure to loud noise, heavy equipment, and maritime traffic
• 24/7 operations requiring flexible scheduling

Essential Physical Functions

• Ability to work in both office and outdoor industrial environments, including exposure to weather conditions
• Ability to walk long distances across terminal grounds, docks, warehouses, and rail areas
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, gangways, and vessel access points
• Ability to stand for extended periods during operational inspections or site activities
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to approximately 25–50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform physical tasks related to facility oversight
• Ability to operate vehicles safely within the terminal environment
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and eye/hearing protection
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to maintain situational awareness in a heavy industrial setting
• Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vessels, railcars, and cargo handling machinery
  

Summary

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Medical Insurance (3 plans to choose from)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• Supplemental voluntary life insurance (self, spouse, child and AD&D)
• Accident and Critical Illness insurance
• Company paid Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Legal Resources Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Paid time off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.