Track Foreman - Plankinton, SD

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 inspector or supervisor position is required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to insure safe and efficient service to our customers. This position requires that the individual is proficient in and can supervise team members performing the following skills, duties, and requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Required to supervise Track Laborer and Truck Driver/Machine Operator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned, as requested or required.

• 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 for defects, 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 possess 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.
• Operate, maintain, and repair vehicles and track equipment.
• Inspect completed work to insure quality and compliance with established track standards.
• Help, mentor, and train track personnel.
• Assist in training and directing track laborers.
• Obtain and operate under track warrants.
• Supervise restoration of track under traffic condition.
• Read and analyze reports, blueprints, and other technical materials.
• Assisting with provision of appropriate estimating reports (projects).
• Identify project risks and opportunities. 
• Assisting with the cost estimates and proposals.
• Supervises and develops work plans, budgets and capital spending in conjunction with the CE.
• Scheduling and performance of all track activities.
• Prepare inspection reports.
• Coordinates work activities with all departments as needed.
• Attends meetings and conference calls as required.
• Evaluate and document performance of subordinate team members.
• Read gauges, precision measuring instruments, schematics and maintenance manuals 100% of the time

Education/Experience

• Must be 18 years or older.
• High school education or general education development (GED).
• 1 year supervisory experience in railroad management or the combination of supervisory experience and training in a course in track maintenance.

Certificates and Licenses

• Must have a Class D Driver’s License. 
• The team member in this job must be able to pass Track Ground School, GCOR 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), CWR Written Test, FRA Track Standards Test, Track Foreman Written Test, Track Inspection Written Test, and Manager’s Training.

Knowledge, 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 and be able apply the Roadway Protection Rules.
• Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations.
• Must have knowledge of and be able to apply the FRA Track Safety Standards.
• Must have experience in operating railroad equipment.
• Must have the ability to apply concepts of basic math and calculate figures.
• Must have the ability to perform duties without direct supervision.
• Must have familiarity with employment practices.
• Must have familiarity with applicable governmental regulations.
• Ability to effectively manage contractors.
• Experience in capital planning.