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:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Schedule: Primarily day shift, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with occasional night shifts required based on vessel schedules
Terminal Address: 500 National Street, Palmetto, FL 34221
This position requires a valid TWIC card
Job Summary
The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of several types of heavy machinery to support material handling, loading, unloading, and site operations. This role requires adherence to all applicable safety regulations, operating procedures, and company standards, while maintaining elevated levels of productivity. Operators must be able to communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and customers to ensure the safe, successful execution of daily tasks. The position may involve rotating shifts and working in extreme weather conditions. This Heavy Equipment Operator description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of each duty performed by the incumbent.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Responsible for assisting other operators in the safe, efficient and quality-conscious unloading and loading of bulk and packaged commodities to or from vessel, railcars, trucks and storage facilities
• Operate and maintain heavy machinery including but not limited to forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, vessel gear and excavators in a safe and efficient manner
• Perform routine equipment inspections and maintain accurate and consistent inspection records using handwritten and electronic formats
• Maintain safe work practices, monitor worksite safety, and comply with all State, Federal, Customer, Company and Federal Railroad Administration standards, rules, and regulations
• Read and interpret material lists, safety manuals, load charts, inventory, gauges, schematics, maintenance manuals, safety rules, material movement, and operational instructions
• Load, unload, transport, stockpile, and distribute bulk materials using heavy equipment while ensuring proper weight distribution and safe handling practices.
• Monitor material flow, inventory levels, and loading operations to ensure accurate quantities and timely movement of products.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs in the field; communicate complex mechanical issues to managers or qualified maintenance personnel
• Adhere to safety procedures including the use of required personal protective equipment, fall protection and other devices in compliance with federal, state, and company regulations
• Perform inspections and document routine maintenance records of conveyor systems for defects and repair.
• Perform housekeeping of terminal grounds and basic maintenance of equipment.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to incidents, accidents, or emergency calls as needed
• Communicate clearly and professionally and collaborate with team members, supervisors, other department managers, and dispatch via radio and in person
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of consumables, inventory, fuel, and material usage
• Participating in training and demonstrate proficiency in job-specific tasks within a designated onboarding period
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and flexibility to work overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required
• Work efficiently in both supervised and unsupervised environments
• Perform other duties as assigned or required
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identified Credential (TWIC)
• Class A commercial driver’s license or willingness and ability to obtain
• Training or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferred