Heavy Equipment Operator - Hawesville, KY

Posted 8 days ago

watcoHawesville (KY)

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

SENIORITY

Mid

SALARY

$21.00 per hour

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About the role

Heavy Equipment Operator - Hawesville, KY

Job Location: Hawesville, KY Facility-42348 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full TimeStart 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 Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University Career advancement opportunities

Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Must be available to regularly work OT and Weekends as needed Starting Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour Located on the Ohio River, the Hawesville Marine Terminal primarily handles aluminum, along with paper products and other bulk materials, through railcar, warehouse, and barge dock transload operations. This Heavy Equipment Operator operates loaders, skid steers, and forklifts to support daily transloading activities and provides backup across material handling functions as needed.

Job Summary: The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of several types of heavy machinery to support material handling, loading, unloading, and site operations. This role requires adherence to all applicable safety regulations, operating procedures, and company standards, while maintaining elevated levels of productivity. Operators must be able to communicate clearly with team members, supervisors, and customers to ensure the safe, successful execution of daily tasks. The position may involve rotating shifts and working in extreme weather conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operate and maintain heavy rail-related machinery including but not limited to tampers, ballast regulators, forklifts, backhoes, compact track or wheel loaders, and brush cutters in a safe and efficient manner
Perform routine equipment inspections and maintain accurate and consistent inspection records using handwritten and electronic formats
Maintain safe work practices, monitor worksite safety, and comply with all State, Federal, Customer, Company and Federal Railroad Administration standards, rules, and regulations
Read and interpret material lists, safety manuals, load charts, inventory, gauges, schematics, maintenance manuals, safety rules, material movement, and operational instructions
Inspect, load, unload, distribute, maintain, install, and repair track materials including rail, cross ties, switch ties, ballast, switch stands and turnouts
Assist with surfacing, aligning, gauging, and alignment of track to ensure proper structure, geometry and stability
Perform vegetation control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe operational integrity
Support the construction, maintenance, and repair of road crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other rail infrastructure with heavy machinery, hand tools, and manual labor
Troubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs in the field; communicate complex mechanical issues to managers or qualified maintenance personnel
Adhere to safety procedures including the use of required personal protective equipment, fall protection and other devices in compliance with federal, state, and company regulations
Perform inspections and document routine maintenance records of track infrastructure defects and repair, ensuring compliance with track authority guidelines
Respond promptly and appropriately to incidents, accidents, or emergency calls as needed
Communicate clearly and professionally and collaborate with team members, supervisors, other department managers, and dispatch via radio and in person
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of consumables, inventory, fuel, and material usage
Participating in training and demonstrate proficiency in job-specific tasks within a designated onboarding period
Demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and flexibility to work overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required
Work efficiently in both supervised and unsupervised environments
Perform other duties as assigned or 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 a current and valid driver's license
Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identified Credential (TWIC) if required by location
Class A commercial driver's license or willingness and ability to obtain
Training or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferred
Education High School or GED equivalent

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