Lead Terminal Operator

Lead Terminal Operator

The Lead Terminal Operator is the senior, hands-on operator at the Cardinal Pacific liquid asphalt import and distribution terminal. In addition to performing the full scope of terminal operating duties, this person serves as the front-line lead for other craft employees on shift setting the pace, modeling safe work practices, coordinating daily tasks, and serving as the first point of contact for operating issues when the Terminal Operations Manager is not present. The role is responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, heating, storage, transfer, and loadout of hot liquid asphalt and related products across rail, truck, and tank systems, while keeping the facility compliant, clean, and running reliably. This is a working lead position. The Lead Terminal Operator is expected to be on the rack and in the field alongside the crew, not in an office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the on-shift lead for terminal craft employees; assign and coordinate daily work, set priorities, and keep operations moving safely and on schedule.
• Train, mentor, and develop newer operators on equipment, procedures, product handling, and safety expectations.
• Serve as the first responder for operating problems, equipment alarms, and customer or carrier issues; escalate to the Terminal Operations Manager as appropriate.
• Lead daily toolbox/safety talks and pre-task planning; reinforce safe behaviors and correct unsafe conditions in real time.
• Fill in for the Terminal Operations Manager on routine operational matters during absences, vacations, and off-hours.
• Communicate clearly with dispatch, sales, carriers, vendors, and contractors to ensure orders are loaded correctly and on time.

Product Receipt and Transfer

• Receive and unload incoming liquid asphalt from rail tank cars (including DOT-111 and DOT-117 cars), trucks, and other modes, following all loading/unloading and connection procedures.
• Safely transfer and move product tank-to-tank, manage tank inventory, and stage product to meet production and delivery schedules.
• Operate and monitor pumps, valves, loading arms, meters, heating systems, and transfer lines; control product flow, pressure, and temperature throughout the facility.
• Climb tanks and rail cars as needed to gauge levels, check temperatures, and verify product condition; regulate and maintain proper asphalt storage and loadout temperatures.

Loadout and Customer Service

• Load asphalt tankers and trucks accurately using the terminal management system; verify product, quantity, and temperature against orders.
• Scale trucks in and out, generate bills of lading, and ensure accurate, complete shipping documentation.
• Coordinate with dispatch to ensure the correct products are loaded onto the correct vehicles for accurate, on-time deliveries.

Maintenance and Reliability

• Work safely with hot product; follow all procedures for high-temperature liquid asphalt handling, PPE, hot work, confined space, and fall protection.
• Operate in compliance with company safety policies and applicable Cal/OSHA, CARB, air district, SPCC, and DOT/FRA requirements.
• Participate as a member of the facility emergency response team; respond to spills, leaks, and incidents per facility response and SPCC plans.
• Ensure contractors, carriers, and visitors follow terminal policies and procedures while on site.
• Complete operator rounds, log readings, and document inspections, transfers, and maintenance activities accurately.

Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance

• Work safely with hot product; follow all procedures for high-temperature liquid asphalt handling, PPE, hot work, confined space, and fall protection.
• Operate in compliance with company safety policies and applicable Cal/OSHA, CARB, air district, SPCC, and DOT/FRA requirements.
• Participate as a member of the facility emergency response team; respond to spills, leaks, and incidents per facility response and SPCC plans.
• Ensure contractors, carriers, and visitors follow terminal policies and procedures while on site.
• Complete operator rounds, log readings, and document inspections, transfers, and maintenance activities accurately.

This description reflects the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of all duties; other duties may be assigned. Supervisory Scope This is a non-exempt, working lead role. The Lead Terminal Operator provides day-to-day direction, training, and coordination for terminal craft employees on shift but does not have formal authority over hiring, discipline, or compensation, which remain with the Terminal Operations Manager.

Relationships, Qualifications and Requirements, & Competencies

Key Relationships Reports to:

• Terminal Operations Manager

Role Qualifications & Requirements Experience & Industry Expertise: Required

• Five (5) or more years of experience in bulk liquid terminal, petroleum, asphalt, refinery, or comparable industrial operations.
• Demonstrated front-line leadership, lead operator, or crew-lead experience.
• Working knowledge of pumps, valves, piping, metering, and tank/heating systems, and the ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Strong safety orientation and familiarity with industrial safety practices (PPE, hot work, lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection).
• Proficiency with terminal management / loadout software and basic computer and recordkeeping skills.
• Solid math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication/division, fractions, percentages) for gauging, blending, and inventory.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English.
• Valid driver's license and legal right to work in the U.S.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs in a facility that operates outside standard hours.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug/alcohol screening

Preferred

• Direct experience handling hot liquid asphalt (AC/PG binders) and/or rail tank car loading and unloading.
• Familiarity with DOT-111 / DOT-117 tank cars and rail operating/safety procedures.
• Experience with terminal automation systems (e.g., Toptech / TMS) and ERP inventory systems.
• Forklift and mobile equipment certification/experience.
• HAZWOPER, emergency response, or first responder training.
• High school diploma or GED; some college a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, and climbing on uneven and elevated surfaces.
• Climbing ladders, stairs, rail cars, and tanks up to approximately 40 feet in height.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Regular work outdoors in all weather conditions and around hot product, moving equipment, rail traffic, and elevated noise.
• Use of required PPE at all times (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and additional PPE for hot-product handling).

BASE SALARY RANGE:$32.25 - $49.35 per hour The range displayed reflects the range the company reasonable expects to pay for the position. The actual base salary is subject to variation due to the role, level, geographic location, relevant education, training, or experience, among other factors.

Employer Disclosure Statement The above statements and job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed within this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and tasks. Other similar or additional duties are performed as assigned. Equal Opportunity Employer Teichert and its subsidiaries pride themselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals seeking employment at our company are considered without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done that will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing an undue hardship on the company. If you are an applicant with a disability, please inform Robert Maxey (View email address on click.appcast.io) if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.