Pettibone / Forklift Operator - Houston, TX

Watco; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Career advancement

Job summary

Watco is hiring for a Pettibone / Forklift Operator in Houston to support daily transloading and site operations. You will operate heavy equipment, transfer cargo between modes, and work outdoors under varying conditions to ensure reliable site performance.

Starting pay ranges from $23 to $25 per hour DOE, with day shifts and holidays as needed. Valid TWIC and driver's license are preferred and training is provided for safety and operational competencies.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience operating Pettibone and/or forklift preferred.
• Pass classroom and field evaluation demonstrating competency on the equipment.
• Familiarity with cargo types and safety hazards related to equipment and pedestrian safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate Pettibone and forklift safely to move bulk materials and cargo between trucks, railcars, vessels, and storage areas.
• Perform inspections before and after use and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in daily safety briefs and maintain a clean, organized outdoor work area.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Equipment handling

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

TWIC card

Driver's license

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

Schedule: Must be available for day shifts, Monday - Sunday and holidays as needed by operations.

Starting Pay: $23/hr - $25/hr, DOE

Location: 14035 Industrial Rd., Houston, TX 77015

The Pettibone / Forklift Operator is responsible for safely operating a variety of heavy equipment to support daily transloading and site operations. The Pettibone / Forklift 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 the Pettibone and/or the forklift 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 required
• Past credentials for Pettibone and/or the forklift are preferred but not required
• Must have a valid TWIC card or the ability to obtain one upon hire

Education

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