What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Track Laborer, and why are they important?
To excel as a Track Laborer, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with track maintenance equipment, hand tools, and safety certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you work efficiently and safely with others. These skills ensure the safe, reliable operation and upkeep of railroad tracks, which is vital for transportation safety and efficiency.
What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Track Laborer and how does this role contribute to overall railroad safety?
As a Track Laborer, your daily tasks involve inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks, ties, and ballast to ensure trains run safely and efficiently. You’ll work closely with a crew, using hand tools and heavy machinery, often outdoors in varying weather conditions. This role is essential to railroad safety, as your work prevents derailments and service interruptions. Collaboration with supervisors and other maintenance teams is common, and attention to detail is crucial for identifying and addressing potential hazards.
What are track laborers?
Track laborers are workers responsible for building, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks and related infrastructure. They use various tools and heavy machinery to ensure tracks are safe and in good condition for train operations. The job often involves manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions and may require working nights, weekends, or on-call shifts to address emergency repairs. Track laborers play a vital role in keeping rail transportation running smoothly and safely.
What is the difference between Track Laborer vs Track Maintainer?
| Aspect | Track Laborer | Track Maintainer |
|---|
| Certifications | OSHA safety training, basic construction certifications | OSHA safety training, track-specific certifications |
| Work Environment | Construction sites, rail yards, outdoor | Railroads, maintenance yards, outdoor |
| Job Duties | Assisting with track installation, repairs, and cleanup | Inspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks |
Both roles involve outdoor work in rail environments and require safety training. However, Track Laborers focus more on assisting with construction and installation tasks, while Track Maintainers specialize in ongoing inspection and repair of existing tracks. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specific responsibilities.
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.
Do workers at Watco get paid breaks?
Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
80% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 35 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.
60% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 45 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.
52% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 25 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.
Is the health insurance from Watco affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
88% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and March 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 28 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How easy is it to take sick days at Watco?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
81% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and March 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.
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.
Do people at Watco get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
73% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 41 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.
67% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 46 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.
Do people at Watco recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
43% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 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 42 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.
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.
82% 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 45 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.
What other companies are hiring for Track Laborer jobs? What are the most popular jobs at Watco? What are the most popular categories at Watco? 