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 or 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 Yard Associate is responsible for performing a variety of manual labor tasks to support the efficient operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the bulk terminal facility. This includes safely unloading trucks and railcars, operating material-handling equipment, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and ensuring compliance with all company policies, safety regulations, and customer requirements. The Yard Associate contributes to a positive and team-oriented work environment while demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe work practices.The Yard Associate is expected to follow all established procedures, meet performance goals with efficiency and accuracy, and work collaboratively with team members to ensure operational success. This job description is intended as a general guide to the duties and responsibilities of the position and is not all-inclusive. Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as required by operational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Implementation of and compliance with all company safety policies and procedures, including adherence to the company safety plan and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Perform various manual labor tasks to support terminal operations, including unloading trucks and railcars, handling materials, and maintaining cleanliness and order of the bulk terminal facility
• Ensure all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirement
• Operate and maintain equipment such as front-end loaders, material handlers, forklifts, skid steers, street sweepers, and related hand tools as required
• Demonstrate consistent, reliable, and timely attendance to support operational schedules and team performance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate effectively in English, and apply basic math skills to daily tasks
• Exhibit teamwork and cooperation by fostering a positive and respectful work environment that prioritizes safety and efficiency
• Learn and apply Watco Safety and Operating Principles, using sound judgment and attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Work independently or collaboratively with other team members, taking initiative to complete assignments with minimal supervision
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure quality work and compliance with company and customer standards
• Support continuous improvement by learning from direction, observation, and feedback, and by applying improved methods to future tasks