Heavy Equipment Operator - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

Heavy Equipment Operator - Sauget / Cahokia, ILJob Location: Sauget, IL Facility-Sauget-62201 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 or the same team. One Watco.Here's what you can expect from Watco:Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and NewsweekCompetitive compensation and benefitsPaid on-the-job training with peer trainersTraining for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance CenterLeadership and development programs offered through Watco UniversityCareer advancement opportunitiesHourly Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 based on experience Schedule: 3 days on 2 days off rotating M-F every other weekend.Watco moves any commodity, and at this site, we handle primarily bulk and breakbulk products such as coal, pet coke, and cement as well as liquid chemicals. Experience operating heavy equipment (skid steer, front end loader, etc.) is preferred but not a requirement for this position.Job SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesOperate 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 mannerPerform routine equipment inspections and maintain accurate and consistent inspection records using handwritten and electronic formatsMaintain safe work practices, monitor worksite safety, and comply with all State, Federal, Customer, Company and Federal Railroad Administration standards, rules, and regulationsRead and interpret material lists, safety manuals, load charts, inventory, gauges, schematics, maintenance manuals, safety rules, material movement, and operational instructionsInspect, load, unload, distribute, maintain, install, and repair track materials including rail, cross ties, switch ties, ballast, switch stands and turnoutsAssist with surfacing, aligning, gauging, and alignment of track to ensure proper structure, geometry and stabilityPerform vegetation control, snow and debris removal from tracks, switches, crossings, and walkways to maintain safe operational integritySupport the construction, maintenance, and repair of road crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other rail infrastructure with heavy machinery, hand tools, and manual laborTroubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs in the field; communicate complex mechanical issues to managers or qualified maintenance personnelAdhere to safety procedures including the use of required personal protective equipment, fall protection and other devices in compliance with federal, state, and company regulationsPerform inspections and document routine maintenance records of track infrastructure defects and repair, ensuring compliance with track authority guidelinesRespond promptly and appropriately to incidents, accidents, or emergency calls as neededCommunicate clearly and professionally and collaborate with team members, supervisors, other department managers, and dispatch via radio and in personEnsure accurate and timely documentation of consumables, inventory, fuel, and material usageParticipating in training and demonstrate proficiency in job-specific tasks within a designated onboarding periodDemonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and flexibility to work overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as requiredWork efficiently in both supervised and unsupervised environmentsPerform other duties as assigned or requiredQualificationsTo 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 licenseAbility to obtain a Transportation Worker Identified Credential (TWIC) if required by locationClass A commercial driver's license or willingness and ability to obtainTraining or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferredEducation: High School or GED equivalent