Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what ... Operator, this role supports the efficiency of operations at a high-level performance with a strong ...
65 Watco Operator Jobs Hiring Near You
Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what ... Operator, this role supports the efficiency of operations at a high-level performance with a strong ...
Track Laborer - Clare, MI
Clare, MI · On-site
$13.75 - $16.75/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
Track Laborer - Clare, MI
Clare, MI · On-site
$13.75 - $16.75/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
... of Watco Safety and Operating Principles • Must be able to work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others • Must be able to receive oral or written instructions ...
... of Watco Safety and Operating Principles • Must be able to work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others • Must be able to receive oral or written instructions ...
Track Laborer - Horicon, WI
Horicon, WI · On-site
$23/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
Track Laborer - Horicon, WI
Horicon, WI · On-site
$23/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
Track Laborer - Seadrift, TX
Seadrift, TX · On-site
$21/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
Track Laborer - Seadrift, TX
Seadrift, TX · On-site
$21/hr
That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Communicate ...
Watco Jobs Information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operator, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent are typically required. Familiarity with machinery, control systems, and safety protocols, as well as certifications such as OSHA or equipment-specific licenses, are often necessary. Dependability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help Operators excel in dynamic and safety-conscious environments. These skills ensure efficient, safe operations and minimize downtime in manufacturing or industrial settings.
What are some common challenges faced by Operators in a manufacturing environment and how can they be addressed?
Operators in manufacturing often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing machine downtime, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To address these issues, operators must stay vigilant with regular equipment checks, promptly report malfunctions, and follow established standard operating procedures. Continuous training and collaboration with maintenance and quality teams also help operators quickly resolve issues and improve overall efficiency.
What are Operators?
Operators are professionals who control and monitor machinery, equipment, or production processes in various industries, such as manufacturing, utilities, and transportation. Their main responsibilities include ensuring the smooth operation of machines, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety standards. Operators may work with highly specialized machinery or more general equipment, depending on the industry. They play a crucial role in keeping production lines running efficiently and safely.
What is the difference between Operator vs Technician?
| Aspect | Operator | Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training | High school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred |
| Work Environment | Manufacturing plants, factories, or industrial sites | Maintenance workshops, repair facilities, or industrial settings |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Manufacturing, production, and industrial sectors | Maintenance, repair, and technical support roles in similar industries |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often searched with similar operational roles | Compared for technical skills and troubleshooting abilities |
In summary, Operators primarily focus on running machinery and ensuring production processes run smoothly, often with minimal technical training. Technicians, on the other hand, typically have more technical skills, perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in their responsibilities and required credentials.
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.
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.
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 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
81% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
Does Watco pay people when they’re sick?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid when they’re sick.
61% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
61% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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.
54% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 26 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
54% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 26 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and May 2026.
89% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and May 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Watco?
Most people get paid time off work.
93% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
93% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and April 2026.
- 61% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 11% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 6% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 22% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and April 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 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
71% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do Watco workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
55% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
55% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 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.
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.
77% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
77% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do Watco managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
80% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
80% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
Do workers at Watco do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
91% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
91% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
How easy is it to take sick days at Watco?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
76% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
76% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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.
50% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and February 2026.
50% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and February 2026.
Do people at Watco feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
35% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
35% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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.
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.
68% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
68% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
Do people at Watco enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
73% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
73% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
54% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Watco?
Most people got enough training when they started.
79% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
79% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
In the last year, 47% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 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 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
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 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Watco is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
62% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
62% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Operator jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Watco?
What are the most popular categories at Watco?
$23/hr
Other
Posted 12 days ago
Watco rating
6.7
Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
234th of 336 rated logistics
Job description
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• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University• Career advancement opportunities
Starting Pay: $23.00 per hourSchedule: Monday - Thursday 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Friday 6:00 AM - 1:30 PM with potential for OT
The largest forklift you will operate in this position is a Hyster 155
Job Summary
As a Forklift Operator, this role supports the efficiency of operations at a high-level performance with a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. The team members must be dependable, follow company safety protocols, wear required PPE, and be available for shift work, overtime, and off-hour responses.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Operate forklifts 8k-65k and up depending on skillset• Perform inspections of equipment being utilized prior to use and during use as needed• Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence• Communicates with operational stake holders throughout shift• Wearing all Watco and OSHA mandated personal protective equipment• Able to work with a team, take direction and follow work rules, as well as take on additional job responsibilities as needed• Demonstrate knowledge of company safety programs
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.• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accuratelyKnowledge of weight limits, load distribution, and material storage protocols • 3 years of experience working with or around forklifts, with demonstrated skill in safe load handling, stacking, and maneuvering in confined spaces preferred• Basic mechanical skills with knowledge of equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance preferred• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or handheld scanners preferred• Maintain regular, dependable attendance• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including day and night shifts, with availability for overtime, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs• Forklift Operator certification preferred
Education