Crew Leader (Railcar Switching) - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

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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 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 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Overtime and weekend work required as needed
Pay: $25.00 – $27.00 per hour, depending on experience
Benefits Note: This position is not eligible for Railroad Retirement (RRB) benefits

Watco is hiring a Rail Switching Crew Leader to oversee a 3-person switch crew at our Sauget, IL marine and rail terminal. Prior railcar switching or railroad experience is required. This is a working leadership role — you will actively participate in switching operations while directing crew members and upholding all safety and operational standards.

Job Summary

A Crew Leader is responsible for overseeing operational teams to ensure the efficient loading and unloading of trucks and barges or the switching, spotting or unloading for railcars. Committed to maintaining compliance with safety standards, conducting thorough inspections, and providing comprehensive training to teammates. Adept at troubleshooting operational challenges and collaborating with management to enhance performance and safety protocols. Proven ability to foster a clean and organized work environment while effectively executing preventive maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for a team of three
• Must communicate to all crew members any special instructions for the day and ensure all Team Members complete the job safely
• Must communication regularly with the Terminal Manager and the Customer
• Responsible for switching procedures with Team Members
• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Working knowledge of Watco Safety and Operating principles
• Work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others
• Coordinates the activities of train crews
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of moves to be made to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal and possible hand signals
• During loading, train crew will remain professional when addressing customer with set start and stop times
• When switching is required, follow the SOP for proper switching
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from equipment or the ground
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Ties handbrakes
• May make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and journal boxes, and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Acts as part of the rack crew (operator)
• Responsible for proper placement of portable D-rails when necessary
• Responsible for assisting in spotting cars for repair for site car repair contractor
• Must be willing to obtain CPR & First Aid Certification as required
• Other duties as assigned

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.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Work, and database applications is preferred
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in rail or transloading operations, preferred
Experience using hand tools performing general maintenance tasks
Competent in Hazardous and Non Hazardous waste paperwork
Maintain daily supplies for operational needs
Ability to communicate / coordinate with all departments
Ability to guide, motivate, and manage a team effectively
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage a team’s schedule, and handle multiple responsibilities in a fast passed environment
Current or ability to obtain a TWIC Card (Transportation Worker Identification Card)
Valid Driver’s License, preferred

Education

High School or GED equivalent