Roadmaster - Plaquemine, LA

Watco; Plaquemine (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Paid on-the-job training

Watco University programs

Career advancement opportunities

Forbes/Newsweek recognition

Job summary

Watco in Plaquemine, LA seeks an experienced Roadmaster to supervise railroad track infrastructure, lead daily work plans, and coordinate inspections and maintenance to keep trains running safely and efficiently.

The role requires strong supervisory experience, reading and interpreting safety rules, and budget planning with senior leaders. Valid driver's license and USDOT compliance are needed. Competitive benefits and career growth await.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant track maintenance and supervisory experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and operating instructions.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or team members.
• Ability to calculate figures and apply basic algebra and geometry.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable.

Responsibilities

• Manage inspection, repair and maintenance of railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe service.
• Develop work plans, budgets and capital spending with GM and Divisional Engineer.
• Ensure compliance with performance goals, quality standards and profitability.
• Oversee track inspections and audits; coordinate with other departments.
• Lead and supervise Team Members performing inspections and maintenance.
• Ensure tool, equipment, and vehicle readiness; manage safety standards.

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Career Opportunities: Roadmaster - Plaquemine, LA (34086)

Requisition ID34086-Posted11/03/2026-Track Operation

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

The Roadmaster reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for railroad track infrastructure. Their responsibility is to support and supervise the Team Members who directly complete the inspections, repairs, and maintenance of the track infrastructure. This includes leading and managing daily work plans and track maintenance activity to maximize track work and train operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, direct, and provide insight on inspection, repair and maintenance of the railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service to our customers.
• Supervise and develop work plans, budgets, proposals, and capital spending in conjunction with the General Manager, Divisional Engineer, and other departments.
• Comply with performance goals, quality standards, and monitor both quality and quantity to ensure profitability and efficiency.
• Sufficient experience or equivalent working knowledge and understanding of all railroad infrastructure to include CFR Title 49 Part 213 and 214.
• Manage and ensure a positive relationship between all of our customers, vendors, contractors, and other local, county and state agencies on railroad concerns.
• Oversee production work and third-party contractors on territory to ensure work is performed to safety standards and company policy.
• Perform regular track inspections including joint inspections with track inspectors and other departments. Work with track inspectors to develop and follow inspection schedule including audit inspections of customer’s railroad infrastructure.
• Accountable for asset utilization. This will entail routine evaluation of Railroad requirements, capital improvement projects to maximize efficiency.
• Accountable for the preparation and administration of performance appraisals for personnel reporting directly to him/her. Help to develop career paths for Team Members by assigning appropriate type and level of training needed. Ensure annual classroom training is completed.
• Evaluate and document performance of Team Members directly reporting to him/her to include disciplinary action as needed.
• Conduct efficiency testing and monitor safe working practices in the field.
• Interview and hire for open positions.
• Ensure Team Members have the proper tools, materials, and equipment needed to include a maintenance schedule to ensure safe operations of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Respond promptly to all accidents, incidents, or emergency calls.
• Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and federal and state regulations. Should have a general understanding of reading blueprints and other technical materials.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant track maintenance and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or Team Members of organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and solve problems furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary.

Education

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