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 
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University 
• Career advancement opportunities

The inspector 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 include the following. Other duties may be assigned, as requested or required. 

• 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, construct, 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. 
• Help, mentor, train and direct track laborers and other personnel. 
• Obtain and operate under track warrants. 
• Supervise restoration of track under traffic condition. 
• Read and analyze reports, blueprints, and other technical materials. 
• Identify project risks and opportunities.
• Assist with the cost estimates and proposals. 
• Supervise and develop work plans. 
• Schedule and perform all track activities.
• Prepare inspection reports. 
• Coordinate work activities with all departments as needed. 
• Attend 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 be 18 years or older. 
• Must have a Class D Driver’s License.
• High school education or general education development (GED). 
• 1-year supervisory experience in railroad management or the combination of supervisory experience and training in a course in track maintenance. 
• Must be 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), CWR Written Test, FRA Track Standards Test, Track Foreman Written Test, Track Inspection Written Test, and Manager’s Training. 
• 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. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• 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 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 others.