Heavy Equipment Operator - Port of Pine Bluff, AR

Watco; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding culture

Competitive compensation

Paid on-the-job training

Watco University programs

Career advancement

Job summary

Watco in Pine Bluff, AR is seeking an Operator to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment to support daily transloading and site operations.

You will work outdoors, on a 12-hour day/night rotating schedule, and must pass equipment qualifications while maintaining strong safety and teamwork across the site.

The role involves moving cargo between trucks, railcars, barges, and storage areas, with focus on reliability and efficiency at the Port of Pine Bluff.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Valid driver’s license and safety awareness.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to transload materials and support site operations.
• Perform equipment inspections before and after use.
• Transfer bulk materials between trucks, railcars, barges, and storage areas.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and uphold safety standards.
• Follow instructions to meet operational schedules in outdoor environments.

Skills

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Friction Crane

Forklift (Taylor Lift)

Skid Steer

Job description

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
  

Schedule: 12-hour day/night rotating shift 2-2-3 or Dupont schedule
Pay: $19.00 per hour
Location Information: Conveniently located on the Arkansas River, the Port of Pine Bluff serves a number of industries including metals, paper, and steel, and is a Foreign Trade Zone. This port is near Little Rock, Arkansas, served by the Union Pacific Railroad, and offers more than 100,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space.
Terminal Address: 4113 Emmett Sanders Rd Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Job Summary
The Operator is responsible for safely operating a variety of heavy equipment to support daily transloading and site operations. Operators work both independently and collaboratively in outdoor environments under varying conditions to ensure smooth and reliable site performance.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• The primary purpose of this position is to transload materials by using a Friction Crane, Forklift (Taylor Lift), Skid Steer, and other heavy equipment as necessary. This position will be operating in the field inside of barges, inside gondola cars, warehouses, and other locations as needed.
• Able to obtain qualifications and show competencies in the equipment type that they will be required to operate
• Transfer bulk materials and other cargo between trucks, railcars, vessels, barges, and storage areas in accordance with proper procedures and safety standards
• Conduct equipment inspections before and after use; report or address any maintenance or safety concerns promptly with leadership and safety team
• Participate in daily safety and job briefings, maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental protection, and teamwork
• Follow written and verbal instructions to complete tasks efficiently and meet operational schedules
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area this includes but is not limited to the cab of their equipment and surrounding work area
  

Qualifications

• Minimal of 2-3 years of experience operating equipment is strongly preferred
• Must show competency level and understanding with the type of equipment they are selected to operate by passing both classroom and field evaluation with satisfactory marks
• Must show familiarity with various cargo types and understand the hazards associated with them in regard to equipment, cargo, and pedestrian safety
• Valid Drivers license
• Past credentials for associated equipment are preferred but not required
  

Education
Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent