Heavy Equipment Operator - Baton Rouge, LA

Watco Transloading; Baton Rouge, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco Transloading in Baton Rouge, LA seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate a front end loader, cherry picker, material handler, and skid steer to support loading, unloading, and site operations.

This role requires strict adherence to safety rules, performing routine inspections, and working a 12-hour day shift on a 2/2/3 rotation, with potential overtime and varying weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Must have a current and valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain TWIC if required by location.
• Class A CDL or willingness and ability to obtain.
• Training or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferred.
• Must pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy rail-related machinery safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and maintain records.
• Adhere to safety procedures and regulatory standards.
• Communicate with team and supervisors to ensure proper task execution.
• Assist with track construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Demonstrate punctuality and willingness to work overtime and rotating shifts.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

TWIC credential

Class A CDL

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator - Baton Rouge, LA

Job Location: Baton Rouge, LA - Facility-70807 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full Time

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
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Pay Range: $18.00 - $22.00 depending on experience

Schedule: 12 hr day shift, 2/2/3 schedule rotation

In this role you will operate a front end loader, cherry picker, material handler, and skid steer

Job Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of several types of heavy machinery to support material handling, loading, unloading, and site operations. This role requires adherence to all applicable safety regulations, operating procedures, and company standards, while maintaining elevated levels of productivity. Operators must be able to communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and customers to ensure the safe, successful execution of daily tasks. The position may involve rotating shifts and working in extreme weather conditions.

This Heavy Equipment Operator description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of each duty performed by the incumbent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy rail-related machinery including but not limited to tampers, ballast regulators, forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, and brush cutters in a safe and efficient manner
• Perform routine equipment inspections and maintain accurate and consistent inspection records using handwritten and electronic formats
• Maintain safe work practices, monitor worksite safety, and comply with all State, Federal, Customer, Company and Federal Railroad Administration standards, rules, and regulations
• Read and interpret material lists, safety manuals, load charts, inventory, gauges, schematics, maintenance manuals, safety rules, material movement, and operational instructions
• Inspect, load, unload, distribute, maintain, install, and repair track materials including rail, cross ties, switch ties, ballast, switch stands and turnouts
• Assist with surfacing, aligning, gauging, and alignment of track to ensure proper structure, geometry and stability
• Perform vegetation control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe operational integrity
• Support the construction, maintenance, and repair of road crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other rail infrastructure with heavy machinery, hand tools, and manual labor
• Troubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs in the field; communicate complex mechanical issues to managers or qualified maintenance personnel
• Adhere to safety procedures including the use of required personal protective equipment, fall protection and other devices in compliance with federal, state, and company regulations
• Perform inspections and document routine maintenance records of track infrastructure defects and repair, ensuring compliance with track authority guidelines
• Respond promptly and appropriately to incidents, accidents, or emergency calls as needed
• Communicate clearly and professionally and collaborate with team members, supervisors, other department managers, and dispatch via radio and in person
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of consumables, inventory, fuel, and material usage
• Participating in training and demonstrate proficiency in job-specific tasks within a designated onboarding period
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and flexibility to work overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required
• Work efficiently in both supervised and unsupervised environments
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

• Must have a current and valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identified Credential (TWIC) if required by location
• Class A commercial driver’s license or willingness and ability to obtain
• Training or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferred
• Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position

Education

High School or GED equivalent