Operator - Chicago Heights, IL

Watco Transloading; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Forbes recognition

Competitive compensation

On-the-job training

Safe Performance Center training

Watco University programs

Career advancement

Job summary

Watco Transloading in Chicago area is seeking an Operator to safely operate heavy equipment and support daily transloading and site operations. You will work independently and with a team in outdoor environments, with typical hours 6:30am - 3:00pm and a $20.00 hourly rate.

Responsibilities include equipment inspections, transferring bulk materials between trucks and railcars, reporting safety concerns, and maintaining a clean, organized work area under varying conditions.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience operating equipment preferred.
• Must pass classroom and field evaluations with satisfactory marks.
• Familiarity with cargo types and associated hazards; safety-conscious.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment safely to support transloading and site operations.
• Transfer bulk materials between trucks, railcars, vessels, barges, and storage areas.
• Conduct pre- and post-use equipment inspections; report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Participate in daily safety and job briefings; maintain safety, environmental protection, and teamwork.
• Follow written and verbal instructions to meet schedules.
• Work outdoors in varying weather, keeping work areas clean and organized.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

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

Job Summary

Hourly Rate: $20.00

Typical Hours: 6:30am - 3:00pm (will need to stay until the work is done, truck loading, railcar unloading, etc.)

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