Heavy Equipment Operator - Queens, NY

Watco; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture recognition

Competitive pay

On-the-job training

Watco University

Career development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Watco in Queens, NY seeks an entry-level Operator to join a growing, safety-conscious team. You will help transload residential waste containers from trucks to railcars for our customer, with learning and advancement opportunities.

This role offers on-the-job training, a clear path to more advanced duties, and the chance to work in a dynamic, safety-focused environment at a major logistics hub.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent.
• Minimal of 2-3 years of experience operating equipment is strongly preferred.
• Must pass classroom and field evaluations with satisfactory marks to operate assigned equipment.
• Must be familiar with various cargo types and safety hazards related to equipment and cargo.

Responsibilities

• Obtain qualifications and demonstrate competencies in the equipment to be operated.
• Transfer bulk materials and cargo between trucks, railcars, vessels, barges, and storage areas following safety procedures.
• Inspect equipment before and after use; report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in daily safety and job briefings, emphasizing safety and teamwork.
• Follow written and verbal instructions to complete tasks efficiently and meet schedules.
• Work outdoors in varying weather, keeping a safe, clean, and organized work area.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

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
• 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

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Schedule: Full-time, 5–6 shifts per week, always off Sundays.

Shifts: The typical shift is 2 PM-10 PM, but shifts can start as early as 11 AM. Schedule may vary based on operational needs.

Queens Terminal Address: Green Asphalt 37-98 Railroad Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

Job Summary

The Operator position is an entry level role at our location in Queens, NY. As an Operator, you’ll be joining a well-established team at a growing company, helping transload residential waste containers from trucks to railcars for our customer. This is an entry-level position with opportunities to learn and grow.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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 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.

• 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