Superintendent Trainee

Position Summary

The Superintendent Trainee participates in a structured development program designed to prepare candidates for terminal and vessel operations leadership roles. This position provides hands-on training in marine terminal operations, labor relations, customer service, safety, environmental compliance, financial administration, and personnel management. The trainee will work closely with experienced superintendents and operational leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities necessary to manage safe, efficient, and productive waterfront operations.

As a member of the team, you will contribute to the success of port operations while developing a rewarding career in the maritime industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Terminal & Vessel Operations

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of terminal facilities, operational processes, and equipment layouts.
• Learn the role of equipment maintenance in supporting safe and efficient operations.
• Utilize operational equipment and complete required equipment inspection checklists accurately and consistently.
• Learn equipment procurement processes and determine operational equipment requirements.
• Read, interpret, and execute vessel stowage and loading plans.
• Monitor cargo handling activities to ensure compliance with vessel plans and operational requirements.
• Develop a working knowledge of commodities handled by the terminal.
• Review vessel schedules, ship lists, and estimated times of arrival (ETAs).
• Communicate operational updates and schedule information to vessel agents and customers.
• Conduct vessel inspections and review vessel gear certifications.
• Monitor loading and unloading operations to ensure compliance with stowage plans, customer requirements, and safety standards.
• Review prior shift documentation and maintain accurate turnover notes and operational records.
• Communicate operational changes involving loading plans, customer requirements, ballast conditions, stowage plans, and destination draft restrictions.
• Develop an understanding of rail operations and rail operation plans.
• Apply operational knowledge to support efficient vessel and terminal operations.

Customer Service & Business Relationships

• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, vessel representatives, and business partners.
• Participate in customer meetings involving operational planning, goal setting, problem-solving, and performance reviews.
• Learn customer requirements and service expectations.
• Manage customer communications effectively while maintaining strong working relationships.
• Remain informed of customer needs and expectations related to company services.
• Identify and support key business relationships within customer organizations.
• Develop an understanding of legal principles related to cargo liability and common carrier responsibilities.

Financial Administration

• Learn reporting requirements and processes related to payroll, timekeeping, operational reporting, purchase orders, expense reporting, and administrative deadlines.
• Assist with timesheet management and workforce administration as needed.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Learn and apply company and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Support injury and illness prevention initiatives.
• Conduct and document accident investigations and incident reporting in accordance with company requirements.
• Perform pre-shift inspections and safety compliance audits.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and corporate safety initiatives.
• Complete assigned site safety audits.
• Promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout all operations.
• Take an active role in identifying and correcting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

Security & Environmental Compliance

• Learn and understand facility security requirements and applicable Facility Security Plans.
• Participate in security drills and emergency response exercises.
• Develop knowledge of environmental regulations governing terminal operations.
• Learn the physical layout of the terminal and identify potential environmental concerns.
• Support environmental compliance initiatives, including air and water quality requirements.
• Assist in identifying, reporting, and addressing environmental issues.

Performance & Operational Metrics

• Understand key operational performance indicators, including throughput, downtime, labor utilization, productivity, and cost control.
• Learn to identify operational delays and implement solutions that improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Assist with monitoring operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Information Technology Systems

• Develop proficiency in business systems and software applications, including:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems
  • Operational and reporting systems

Leadership & People Development

• Build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Develop leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Learn to organize personnel and resources to achieve operational objectives safely and efficiently.
• Establish goals, monitor progress, and drive accountability for results.
• Develop the ability to remain composed and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and a positive attitude in all interactions.
• Foster teamwork, employee engagement, and high morale.
• Learn to motivate others and create a productive work environment.
• Develop the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned responsibilities and operational outcomes.

Additional Duties

• Attend required safety, operational, and corporate meetings.
• Cross-train in multiple superintendent functions and operational areas.
• Serve as backup support for dispatch operations as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and good housekeeping practices throughout assigned work areas.
• Travel to other company facilities and port operations as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret diagrams, drawings, vessel plans, and operational documents.
• Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform successfully in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• Knowledge of the maritime, logistics, transportation, terminal operations, or related industries.

Work Schedule & Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule based on operational requirements.
• Ability to work varied hours, including weekends, holidays and evening shifts.
• Availability for emergency call-outs and operational support when required.
• Willingness to travel to other company facilities and port operations as needed.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to board and safely navigate multi-level ocean-going vessels.
• Ability to climb ladders, ramps, elevated platforms, and steep stairways.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, narrow walkways, and varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to walk and stand on uneven surfaces for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, sit, and climb as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, humid, wet, dusty, and outdoor environments.
• Comfortable working at heights.
• Ability to maneuver through vessel hatches, cargo holds, decks, tunnels, and other operational areas.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around active industrial and marine operations.

Company Culture