Heavy Equipment Operator - Tampa, FL

Watco; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Competitive pay

Leadership programs

Career growth

Job summary

Watco Transloading, LLC in Tampa, FL is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate a range of equipment supporting daily transloading and site operations. You will work both independently and with teams in outdoor environments to ensure smooth site performance.

Starting pay is $24.59 per hour, with progression to more complex equipment as proficiency is demonstrated. The role emphasizes safety, proper procedures, and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience operating equipment preferred.
• Passing classroom and field evaluations required for equipment competency.
• Familiarity with various cargo types and hazards related to equipment and safety.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Credentials for equipment preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment safely to support daily transloading and site operations.
• Transfer bulk materials and other cargo between trucks, railcars, vessels, barges, and storage areas according to procedures and safety standards.
• Inspect equipment before and after use; report maintenance or safety concerns promptly to leadership and safety team.
• Participate in daily safety and job briefings, focusing on safety, environmental protection, and teamwork.
• Follow written and verbal instructions to complete tasks efficiently and meet schedules.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area.

Skills

Heavy equipment ops

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Career Opportunities: Heavy Equipment Operator - Tampa, FL (33921)

Requisition ID33921-Posted09/16/2026-Transload Operations

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

Starting Pay: $24.59 per hour

Equipment: This position will initially operate a skid steer, with progression to wheel loader operation as proficiency is demonstrated.

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

• 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