Heavy Equipment Operator - Wausau, WI

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
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University

The heavy equipment operator position will be required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to insure safe and efficient service to our customers. This is a manual labor position, which requires that the individual becomes proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period. This position will also be operating heavy equipment (i.e. super truck, backhoe, skid loader, dump truck, brush cutting equipment, tamper, ballast regulator, forklift) related to the surfacing and repair of the track.

• Operate track related machinery including a tamper, ballast regulator, forklift, and other equipment as assigned.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed.
• Assist section crews in dumping ballast.
• 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, patrol, construct, install, retire, remove, surface, gauge, line and shift track.
• Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, and repair road crossings.
• Inspect, protect, flag, 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 acquire 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.
• Read gauges, precision measuring instruments, schematics and maintenance manuals 100% of the time.
• Performs other duties that may be assigned.

• High school education or general education (GED)

• Valid 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).