Stevedore Supervisor
At Midwest Salt, we don’t just deliver salt – we deliver excellence. With almost 40 years in the industry, we’ve mastered the trifecta: top-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable, on-time delivery. But what truly sets us apart is our people.
Why Midwest Salt?
We believe in building win-win relationships, not just with our customers and vendors but with our team members too. When you join Midwest Salt, you become part of a dynamic, agile work environment where your ideas and contributions truly matter. We foster a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Guided by proven processes, we are committed to helping you reach your career goals as we grow together toward becoming the largest nationwide salt distributor.
About Grit One
Grit One is Midwest Salt with a port address. For almost 40 years, Midwest Salt has kept roads safe across the Midwest with top-quality product, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery. Grit One is where that supply chain starts. Vessels and barges unload at our Port of Chicago terminal, product gets stockpiled, and it moves out fast to the customers who count on us every winter. You get the stability of an established company and the energy of a growing operation. Our port is expanding, and the people we hire now will help build it
About The Role
Grit One's terminal at the Port of Chicago handles bulk material by vessel, rail, and truck. The Stevedore Supervisor runs the dock during vessel and barge operations — directing the loading and unloading crew, coordinating with maritime officers and terminal management, and keeping the operation safe, on schedule, and compliant with maritime and OSHA requirements. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on the dock, solving problems in real time, and building a crew that works safely and moves cargo fast.
What You Will Do
• Plan and supervise vessel loading and unloading operations from berth to clear-out
• Direct and schedule stevedore crews, equipment operators, and laborers across shifts
• Coordinate with vessel crews, agents, and terminal management on stowage plans, sequencing, and turnaround
• Operate or oversee material handlers, wheel loaders, conveyors, and hoppers as needed
• Direct barge handling — cover removal and replacement, barge shifting, line handling, and safe deck access over open water
• Oversee clamshell and bucket crane discharge, hold clean-out, and stockpile placement
• Verify discharged quantities — coordinate draft surveys and reconcile tonnage against bills of lading
• Inspect holds and barges for cleanliness and cargo condition before and after discharge; document damage or contamination
• Enforce safety rules on the dock — PPE, fall protection, confined space, hot work, and vessel access — and stop work when conditions warrant
• Conduct pre-shift briefings, equipment checks, and incident reporting
• Maintain compliance with USCG/MTSA facility security requirements, including TWIC access control
• Own shift productivity — track tons per hour, labor hours, and downtime against plan, and report results to terminal management
• Complete and sign off on shift reports, tally sheets, equipment inspection logs, damage and incident reports, and crew timekeeping
• Train and develop crew members; support hiring and performance reviews
What You Bring
• 3+ years of stevedoring, marine terminal, or bulk cargo experience, including at least 1 year training & leading a crew
• Valid TWIC card
• Working knowledge of vessel operations, stowage, rigging and cargo securing
• Experience with heavy equipment in a dock or bulk material setting
• Strong safety mindset and knowledge of OSHA 1917 (Marine Terminals) and 1918 (Longshoring) standards
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and to work extended hours, weekends, and on-call during vessel arrivals and peak season
• Reliable, clear communicator who can direct a crew and report up
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Comfortable with basic computer work — email, spreadsheets, and terminal reporting systems
• Able to pass a background check and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
• Crane & Rigging certification
Nice To Have
• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime or General Industry)
• Draft survey experience
• Forklift or loader certification
• Experience with salt, aggregate, or other bulk commodities
• Bilingual English/Spanish
Physical Requirements
Essential physical functions include walking on uneven surfaces and barge decks around open water; climbing ladders, gangways, and vertical access at significant heights; boarding vessels and barges; entering cargo holds and other confined spaces; lifting up to 50 lbs; and prolonged outdoor work in heat, cold, wet, dusty, and high-noise conditions. Requires clear communication in person and over two-way radio, along with depth perception and peripheral vision.
Grit One will consider reasonable accommodations that enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
What We Offer
• $38–$45 per hour, plus overtime
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, and EAP
• 401(k)
• Vacation and PTO
• Long-term opportunity with a company that's expanding its port operations
Hiring Process
Apply through the Breezy posting. Selected candidates will complete a Predictive Index assessment before their interview and meet with the hiring team virtually via Microsoft Teams or on-site at the terminal.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change with or without notice to meet vessel scheduling and operational needs, and other duties may be assigned.
Grit One is an equal opportunity employer.