Track Foreman - Winfield, KS

Watco; Winfield (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid on-the-job training

Leadership development programs

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Watco is hiring a Foreman in Winfield, Kansas to ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of railroad track infrastructure. Key responsibilities include supervising team members, inspecting, repairing tracks, and maintaining quality standards.

Applicants should have a High School diploma or GED, relevant experience, and be able to work in diverse weather conditions. The role emphasizes safety and compliance with federal and state regulations, along with effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Roadway Protection Rules and FRA Track Safety Standards.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively manage contractors.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Track Laborers and other team members.
• Inspect and maintain track infrastructure.
• Communicate effectively and comply with safety regulations.

Skills

Problem recognition

Ability to follow instructions

Knowledge of railroad operations

Mathematical skills

Flexibility

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Railroad equipment

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

The foreman position is required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service to our customers. This position requires that the individual is proficient in and can supervise team members while performing the following skills, duties, and requirements.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise Track Laborer, Trackman, and Truck Driver/Machine Operator.
• Inspect, unload, load, distribute, pick‑up, install cross ties, switch ties, other track material and ballast.
• Inspect, unload, distribute, load, pick‑up, install, grind, and transpose rail.
• Inspect, load, unload, distribute, pick‑up, remove, construct, maintain and repair turnouts.
• Inspect for defects, patrol, construct, install, retire, remove, surface, gauge, line and shift track.
• Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, and repair road crossings.
• Inspect, protect, flag, install, maintain, repair, paint, renew and replace bridges.
• Inspect, protect, flag, maintain, repair and construct culverts and tunnels.
• Inspect, dismantle, remove, maintain, repair and paint station facilities.
• Inspect, test, maintain, repair, construct and install scales.
• Inspect, remove, maintain, repair, construct, and install right of way, sand and snow fences.
• Inspect, construct, install, maintain, clean and paint signs.
• Cut and dispose of vegetation.
• Clean debris from switches and remove snow or other foreign materials from track infrastructure.
• Complete accurate and timely reporting as required.
• Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations.
• Communicate professionally and effectively.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of track authority.
• Comply with performance metrics measurements and deadlines.
• Practice safe work habits and follow company and industry policies, procedures and regulations.
• Respond promptly to any accident, incident or emergency call.
• Operate, maintain, and repair vehicles and track equipment.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and compliance with established track standards.
• Assist in training, mentoring and directing track laborers.
• Obtain and operate under track warrants.
• Supervise restoration of track under traffic condition.
• Identify project risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate work activities with all departments as needed.
• Attends meetings and conference calls as required.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must have the ability to recognize problems, apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to have a flexible work schedule.
• Must have knowledge of and be able to apply the Roadway Protection Rules and the FRA Track Safety Standards.
• Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations and experience in operating railroad equipment.
• Must have the ability to apply concepts of basic math and calculate figures.
• Must have the ability to perform duties without direct supervision.Must have familiarity with applicable governmental regulations.
• Ability to effectively manage contractors.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a Class D Driver’s License.
• High School education or general education (GED) or 3 to 6 months job‑related experience; or equivalent of education and experience.
• The team member in this job must have passed Track Ground School, GCOR Written Test, Roadway Worker Protection Written Test, Fall Protection Written Test, Maintenance of Way Safety Written Test, MSHA/OSHA Training and Certification (if required on site), and CWR Written Test.
• Must also be able to pass and apply the information from the FRA Track Standards Test, Track Foreman Written Test, Track Inspection Written Test, and Manager’s Training.

Education

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