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

Job Summary

The Bulk Supervisor is responsible for overseeing safe, efficient, and compliant bulk cargo handling operations. This role manages labor allocation, equipment utilization, safety compliance, and overall operational performance while fostering a collaborative and safety-focused culture. The Bulk Supervisor must be onsite and actively engaged during all live operations to ensure effective leadership, rapid response to issues, and alignment with company standards and customer requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plan, direct, and oversee daily Ferro operations, including the loading and unloading of railcars, trucks, and vessels, and the transfer of materials to storage or packaging.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable OSHA/MSHA and environmental regulations.
• Conduct pre-shift safety meetings and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) to reinforce hazard awareness and safe work practices.
• Actively monitor production targets, troubleshoot delays, and implement corrective actions to maintain operational efficiency.
• Maintain an onsite presence during all operations to provide leadership, oversight, and immediate support.
• Direct and supervise crew leaders, operators, and other team members to ensure balanced workloads and effective operational coverage.
• Oversee the safe and proper use of equipment, including loaders, conveyors, forklifts, augers, and railcar movers.
• Coordinate equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs with the maintenance department.
• Communicate effectively with the Terminal Manager, customers, and team members regarding operational updates, delays, incidents, or issues.
• Prepare and submit accurate shift reports, incident documentation, and operational logs in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with other supervisors to allocate labor and resources across Bulk and Breakbulk operations.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance safety, productivity, and efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Further Proven leadership experience in terminal, port, industrial, logistics, or related bulk cargo handling operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA/MSHA regulations and environmental compliance standards.
• Hands-on experience operating or supervising the use of bulk handling equipment.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by operational demands.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain site-specific certifications as needed.
• Bilingual is preferred but not required
• TWIC or the ability to obtain one

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of bulk cargo handling operations, equipment, and safety regulations.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Ability to identify hazards, enforce safety protocols, and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Competence in managing multiple priorities in fast-paced, high-pressure operational environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop team members for enhanced performance and accountability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Supervisors will work in an office setting, Yard, Warehouse, on-site or remote. Supervisors may travel to attend meetings with clients. Day-to day operations consists of verbal communication with peers, and other departments to achieve the task at hand. Also, a great deal of phone calls with customers is needed to ensure we are serving and supporting our client to the best of our ability.