Apprentice Terminal Operator

Buckeye Partners•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Apprentice Terminal Operator learns the overall operation and maintenance of terminal, pipeline, marine, and rail assets as applicable. The role develops a basic understanding of receiving, delivering, storing, and managing inventory of petroleum products at the field location. The employee trains in equipment maintenance, product movements, measurement and quality control, regulatory compliance, inventory systems, and emergency response. The position supports safe, reliable terminal operations and customer service while helping maintain facility standards and comply with applicable environmental, safety, security, and operating requirements. It may involve on-call availability and work outside normal hours, including overtime, weekends, or holidays. The role includes substantial outdoor and field work, exposure to operational hazards, use of required protective equipment, and physical tasks such as standing for extended periods, lifting, and climbing ladders and tanks.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license.
Strong mechanical aptitude and analytical skills.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work well under pressure, with a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.
Ability to work with little to no supervision.
Availability outside normal working hours as required; may need to carry an on-call phone.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, or holidays when required, potentially without notice.
Ability to meet OSHA medical criteria for emergency response.
Ability to safely perform the essential job functions and meet applicable productivity standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance and comply with personnel policies.
Ability to spend an average of 70% of work time on one's feet.
Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds, an average of five times per day.
Ability to perform required standing, walking, handling, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Ability to climb ladders approximately 50 feet and work safely and comfortably at heights for extended periods.
Ability to wear fire-retardant clothing and/or personal protective equipment; the role may require wearing a respirator.
Ability to work in outdoor weather and potentially hazardous environments, including around heights, moving mechanical parts and rail equipment, petroleum or chemical fumes, airborne particles, vibration, uneven terrain, and high noise.
Position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol regulations.

Nice To Haves

0–2+ years of related experience in terminal, pipeline, or marine operations.
General understanding of equipment and maintenance for pumps, meters, truck loading racks, and dock facilities.
General knowledge of or experience in the petroleum industry.
Inventory control and/or accounting background.
Familiarity with computerized inventory control systems and truck rack automation systems.
Some locations may require state-specific licenses and/or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Responsibilities

Train in the maintenance and repair of the terminal loading rack, storage facilities, and associated equipment; help keep equipment in good working order and the facility in compliance with company standards.
Help analyze and resolve operational problems.
Learn to receive, store, and distribute petroleum products by pipeline, rail, and marine dock where applicable, following product movement, measurement, and quality control procedures.
Learn petroleum terminal regulations and remain aware of environmental regulations, safety directives, and operating procedures, including applicable Coast Guard and local, state, and federal requirements.
Notify management of issues requiring attention related to regulatory compliance, health, safety, security, or the environment.
Maintain good relationships with terminal customers and respond to their inquiries and needs.
After training, respond when called to terminal, pipeline, rail, and marine emergencies and participate in annual emergency response drills.
Operate computer inventory control systems and participate in investigations of inventory issues.
Learn pipeline operations, handle pipeline product movements at the terminal, and assist with other pipeline duties, such as one-call investigations, if applicable.
Learn marine operations, handle dock product movements at the terminal, and assist with other marine duties as required.
Support the Asset Team in achieving high-performance certification and potentially act as the Asset Team point person.
Support terminal operations and assist with special projects as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.