Walking Foreman - Houston, TX

Watco; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Walking Foreman to oversee port, vessel, and yard operations in Houston, TX. This role emphasizes safety, coordination with supervision, and hands-on leadership of labor across vessels and terminals.

The position requires strong communication, safety discipline, and the ability to step into different operational roles as needed. Working 12-hour shifts with variable days ensures coverage at the port.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain HAZMAT and PIT certifications as required.
• TWIC credential or ability to obtain is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee labor on vessel, yard, and terminal operations.
• Ensure safety gear compliance and safe vehicle operation.
• Coordinate with Gang Foreman and Superintendent on labor and safety.
• Fill in for various operational roles as needed to maintain throughput.
• Coordinate cargo discharge/loading and inspect dockside areas.
• Communicate via handheld radio to manage workflow.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Strong communication

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

PIT certification

HAZMAT certification

TWIC clearance

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: 12 hour shifts with no set schedule - including day or night shifts and week shifts as needed

Location: 14035 Industrial Rd., Houston, TX 77015

The Walking Foreman oversees port and labor operations across the vessel, yard, and terminal, ensuring safety compliance and efficient workflow. This role involves coordinating with the Superintendent and Gang Foreman, inspecting work areas, assisting with cargo handling, and stepping into various operational roles as needed. Strong communication and adherence to safety protocols are essential, including the use of required gear and navigating vessel access points.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Reports to operations management, obtains appropriate paperwork and supervises all operations
• Works in clerk’s office, outside on terminal, and/ or aboard vessel
• Supervises all labor assigned to the vessel or yard
• Verifies that each team member wears the mandatory safety gear, equipment, and safe operation of vehicles and equipment
• Assists Gang Foreman and Superintendent to coordinate labor and safety issues
• Assists in traffic flow/safety
• At any given time, can fill in for various positions to assist in operations
• Assists and coordinates out of gauge and heavy lift cargo discharge and loading
• Inspects dockside area and gangway
• Supervises Gang Foreman
• Wears required safety gear at all times
• May climb up or down gangway to access vessel (30 – 60 steps; varies for each vessel depending on height of vessel and water level).
• Communicates via handheld radio

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.

• Current, or ability to obtain HAZMAT certification
• Current, or ability to obtain Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification
• Valid Driver License, preferred
• Supervisory Skill Training, preferred, ongoing development expected
• Current, or ability to obtain a TWIC required

Education

High School or GED equivalent