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
Starting Pay: $17.00 per hour - $18.00 per hour, DOE
Schedule: 12 hour shifts with no set schedule - including day or night shifts and weekend shifts as needed
Location: 14035 Industrial Rd., Houston, TX 77015
Anniversary Bonus Program: Earn bonuses for reaching service milestones, including $500 at 6 months, $1,000 at 1 year, and $2,000 at both 2 and 3 years of service.
A Stevedore / Laborer (Longshoreman / Unloader) is responsible for performing a variety of manual and equipment-assisted tasks to support terminal, vessel, and warehouse operations. Duties include loading, unloading, material handling, and basic maintenance. The Longshoreman works as part of a team to ensure cargo is transferred safely and efficiently between vessels, railcars, barges, warehouses, and storage facilities. As an Unloader, this position plays a key role in cargo movement while maintaining compliance with company procedures and safety standards. A valid TWIC Card is required for working in secured port facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• A Stevedore / Laborer / Longshoreman supports daily terminal, vessel, and warehouse operations
• Perform unloader duties including loading and unloading cargo from vessels, barges, railcars, trucks, and warehouse facilities
• Communicate with superintendents, foremen, and management to determine staffing needs and prioritize workflow
• Operate and maintain equipment for the safe transfer of materials between silos, railcars, barges, and vessels
• Support communication between drivers, warehouse teams, and management using radios and digital systems.
• Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), PPE requirements, and all safety and environmental regulations
• Perform maintenance, inspections, and additional operational duties as assigned to support terminal and vessel efficiency
• Work alongside other longshoreman team members to complete cargo operations safely and efficiently
• Serve as an unloader during vessel operations and cargo transfers as directed by supervisors
• Maintain eligibility to access secure maritime facilities through a valid TWIC Card
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required a Stevedore / Laborer.
• Work effectively as part of a team, follow directions, and take on additional responsibilities as assigned
• Maintain regular attendance, dependability, and high performance standards
• Perform tasks outdoors in various weather conditions
• Follow all company standards, procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety principles
• Read, write, communicate in English, understand basic math, and apply instructions with good judgment
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including day and night shifts, with availability for overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs
• Experience as a longshoreman, unloader, laborer, dockworker, warehouse worker, or stevedore is preferred but not required
• HAZMAT certification preferred
• Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC Card
• A current TWIC Card is strongly preferred
• Ability to work in port and maritime environments where a TWIC Card is required