Vessel Superintendent - Houston, TX

Watco Transloading, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding culture

Competitive compensation

Paid on-the-job training

Training at Safe Performance Center

Leadership and development programs

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Watco Transloading, LLC is seeking a Vessel Superintendent in Houston, TX to oversee safe and efficient cargo handling aboard vessels and barges, ensuring company safety standards compliance. You will train crews, coordinate vessel loading plans with Port Captains, and support daily terminal operations to maintain high safety, environmental, and performance standards.

The role also manages equipment use, documentation, and adapts to flexible work schedules as business needs demand, requiring

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant cargo handling/vessel operations/logistics experience.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards, rigging practices, and marine terminal regulations.
• Valid driver's license (preferred).
• Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).

Responsibilities

• Lead safe cargo handling and OSHA-compliant rigging onshore and aboard vessels (MPP, Ro-Ro, barges).
• Interpret stow plans and coordinate with Port Captains to optimize loading and efficiency.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate team members; promote safety-first culture and training.

Job description

Career Opportunities: Vessel Superintendent - Houston, TX (33873)

Requisition ID33873-Posted09/09/2026-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 andbenefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco'sSafe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Vessel Superintendent oversees safe and efficient cargo handling operations aboard various types of vessels and barges, ensuring company safety standards compliance. This role supports and trains crews, coordinates vessel loading plans with Port Captains of vessels, and supports daily terminal operations to maintain high safety, environmental, and performance standards. The Superintendent also manages equipment use, documentation, and adapting to flexible work schedules as business needs demand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and enforce safe cargo handling and OSHA-compliant rigging practices onshore and aboard vessels (MPP, Ro-Ro, barges)
• Interpret stow plans and coordinate with Port Captains to optimize vessel loading and operational efficiency
• Supervise, train, and evaluate team members; promote a safety-first culture and ensure all staff are properly trained
• Oversee daily operations with a strong focus on safety, environmental compliance, and performance
• Oversee the operation of equipment/ machinery as needed and ensure use of required PPE and safety equipment
• Communicate effectively in English; follow directions, complete tasks on schedule, and apply basic math skills
• Comfortable working at heights and aboard large vessels
• Complete performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and team efficiency testing
• Manage documentation pertaining to vessel operations, personnel, and equipment in compliance with company standards
• Work flexible schedules (days, nights, weekends, and holidays) as business needs require
• Performs other duties as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in cargo handling, vessel operations, or logistics, is required
• Familiarity with OSHA standards, rigging practices, and regulations related to marine terminal operations is required
• Valid driver's license, preferred
• Valid TWIC