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
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Job Summary
The Signal Foreman – Peanut Gang leads and performs signal maintenance, installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and repair activities for railroad signal and crossing systems. This position provides day-to-day leadership to a mobile signal maintenance crew and is responsible for ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with railroad rules, company procedures, and applicable standards.
The Signal Foreman plans and coordinates daily work, directs crew activities, assists with troubleshooting complex signal issues, and ensures equipment and work areas are properly maintained. The position requires strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, leadership skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead, direct, and coordinate the daily activities of the Signal Peanut Gang.
• Plan work assignments and organize crew, tools, equipment, materials, and resources needed to complete assigned work.
• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, test, and install railroad signal systems and related equipment.
• Maintain and repair grade crossing warning devices, signal equipment, communication systems, and other related components.
• Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and electronic problems using testing equipment, schematics, drawings, manuals, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance to Signal Maintainers and other crew members.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance to ensure signal systems operate safely and reliably.
• Lead the installation, modification, testing, and commissioning of signal equipment and systems.
• Read and interpret electrical diagrams, wiring diagrams, blueprints, signal plans, manuals, and other technical documents.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with railroad operating rules, signal standards, company procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct and document required inspections, tests, maintenance, repairs, and equipment conditions.
• Identify unsafe conditions, equipment deficiencies, and potential operational issues and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ensure the crew follows all required safety practices when working around active railroad tracks, moving equipment, electrical systems, roadway traffic, and other hazards.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, train crews, dispatchers, contractors, customers, and other railroad personnel as required.
• Coordinate with other departments and work groups to minimize operational disruptions and complete work efficiently.
• Monitor work progress and adjust priorities as conditions change or unexpected problems arise.
• Ensure tools, vehicles, equipment, materials, and work areas are properly maintained and secured.
• Train, coach, and develop less-experienced employees on signal maintenance practices, technical procedures, and safe work practices.
• Respond to signal and crossing system failures, emergencies, and other maintenance needs, including work outside of normal hours when required.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required reports, documentation, and administrative tasks.
• Travel extensively as part of a mobile maintenance crew and work at various railroad locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Previous railroad signal maintenance experience required; supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of railroad signal systems, grade crossing systems, electrical circuits, and related equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and electronic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret signal plans, wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, technical manuals, and instructions.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with the ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, testing equipment, and other specialized equipment.
• Previous experience leading, directing, training, or mentoring employees preferred.
• Ability to effectively plan and prioritize work for a crew while responding to changing conditions and operational needs.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide clear direction, hold team members accountable, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the field.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and willing to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required.
• Must be willing and able to travel extensively as part of a mobile maintenance crew.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, precipitation, and other challenging conditions.
• Ability to work safely around railroad tracks, moving trains, heavy equipment, electrical systems, and roadway traffic.
• Must possess or be able to obtain all required railroad qualifications, certifications, and licenses.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.