Watco
Watco

2 Watco Jobs Hiring in Baton Rouge, LA

Watco Jobs Information

What is it like to work at Watco?

Watco is a company that values a collaborative and customer-focused work environment, prioritizing teamwork and open communication among its employees.

As a leading provider of rail services and logistics solutions, Watco operates a diverse range of teams, including rail operations, maintenance, and customer support, with a focus on delivering safe and efficient services to its clients. The company's mission is to provide exceptional service and support to its customers, while also promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Working at Watco may appeal to individuals who are passionate about the rail industry and are looking for a dynamic and challenging work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as a chance to be part of a company that prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction.

What makes Watco an attractive place to work?

Watco is a leading provider of rail services and logistics solutions, with a strong reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction in the North American rail industry. The company offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment, with opportunities for innovation, professional growth, and development through training and mentorship programs. Joining Watco can provide individuals with a chance to contribute to the company's mission of delivering exceptional service and making a meaningful impact in the rail industry.

Do workers at Watco get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
81% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Does Watco pay people when they’re sick?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid when they’re sick.
62% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

At Watco, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.
56% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and August 2026.

Is the health insurance from Watco affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
89% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and August 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Watco?

Most people get paid time off work.
90% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and August 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 58% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 16% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 5% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 21% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and August 2026.

Do workers at Watco worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
71% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do Watco workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
56% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

How easy is it for Watco workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
44% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 25 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at Watco?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
78% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do Watco managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
81% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do jobs at Watco spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
8% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at Watco?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
74% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Is working at Watco good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Only some parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
54% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at Watco feel treated with respect by their managers?

Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
36% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people at Watco get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
74% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Watco?

Most people feel stressed out here.
69% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people at Watco enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
71% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people at Watco recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
54% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Watco?

Most people got enough training when they started.
78% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Watco?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 47% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do people think Watco’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
83% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Watco is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
61% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

What are cities near Hodge for Watco jobs?

Infographic showing various job openings at Watco in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Student Conductor - Plaquemine, Louisiana

Watco

Plaquemine, LA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Watco rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 364 rated logistics


Job description

Student Conductor - Plaquemine, Louisiana
Job Location: Plaquemine, LA Facility-Plaquemine-70764
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
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 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
• 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
Starting pay: $20.00
Schedule: Rotating 2-2-3 (days/nights) 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am
The Student Conductor will work with managers, peer trainers and train crews to learn the safe switching of railcars using locomotive power, based on customer requests. Switch crews are responsible for performing jobs efficiently and following all company and customer safety rules and completing corresponding paperwork at the end of every shift. This Student Conductor description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of each duty performed by the incumbent.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes to apply procedures using good judgment
• Assist in inspection of locomotive(s) before running to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all other requirements
• Read and interpret switching orders from designated person
• Observe and learn radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with company and customer rules and regulations
• Observe and learn arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars or receives starting signal and moves control, such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Clearly and effectively communicate with crews, dispatchers or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observe track to detect potential obstructions
• Assist with inspecting locomotive(s) after running to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Assist with maintaining records, numbers, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• Assist with coordinating activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, or other on-site location
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals
• Move cars, using lanterns, hand signals or radio
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• Sit or rides in locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members
• Assist with making minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Performs 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, skills, and/or abilities required. Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
• Ability to pass training and required Conductor Certification testing in a reasonable period of time, typically within one year
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness and ability to obtain locomotive engineer certification following conductor certification
Education
High School or GED equivalent

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