Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs.
Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco.
Here’s what you can expect from Watco:
- Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
- Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
- Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
- Career advancement opportunities
Description
The heavy equipment operator position will be required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to insure safe and efficient service to our customers. This is a manual labor position, which requires that the individual becomes proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period. This position will also be operating heavy equipment (i.e. super truck, backhoe, skid loader, dump truck, brush cutting equipment, tamper, ballast regulator, forklift) related to the surfacing and repair of the track.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
- Operate track related machinery including a tamper, ballast regulator, forklift, and other equipment as assigned.
- Must be able to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed.
- Assist section crews in dumping ballast.
- Inspect, unload, load, distribute, pick-up, install cross ties, switch ties, other track material and ballast.
- Inspect, unload, distribute, load, pick-up, install, grind, and transpose rail.
- Inspect, load, unload, distribute, pick-up, remove, construct, maintain and repair turnouts.
- Inspect, patrol, construct, install, retire, remove, surface, gauge, line and shift track.
- Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, and repair road crossings.
- Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, repair, paint, renew and replace bridges.
- Inspect, protect, flag, maintain, repair and construct culverts and tunnels.
- Inspect, dismantle, remove, maintain, repair and paint station facilities.
- Inspect, test, maintain, repair, construct and install scales.
- Inspect, remove, maintain, repair, construct, and install right of way, sand and snow fences.
- Inspect, construct, install, maintain, clean and paint signs.
- Cut and dispose of vegetation.
- Clean debris from switches.
- Remove snow or other foreign materials from track infrastructure.
- Accurate and timely reporting as required
- Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations.
- Communicate professionally and effectively.
- Must acquire a comprehensive understanding of track authority.
- Comply with performance metrics measurements and deadlines.
- Practice safe work habits and follow company and industry policies, procedures and regulations.
- Respond promptly to any accident, incident or emergency call.
- Read gauges, precision measuring instruments, schematics and maintenance manuals 100% of the time.
- Performs other duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High school education or general education (GED)
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Certificates and Licenses
- Valid Driver’s license (minimum G class)
- CDL Class AZ, DZ
- The team member in this job must be able to pass Track Ground School, CROR Written Test, Roadway Worker Protection Written Test, Fall Protection Written Test, Maintenance of Way Safety Written Test, MSHA/OSHA Training and Certification (if required on site).
SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Must have the ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
- Must have the ability to write legibly.
- Must be able to perform duties that require heavy lifting.
- Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Must be able to have a flexible work schedule.
- Must have the ability to recognize problems.
- Must have knowledge of Roadway Protection Rules.
- Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations
