Watco · 12 hours ago
Student Conductor - Plaquemine, LA
Plaquemine, LA
Part-time
Onsite
New GradWatco is a company focused on keeping the world's supply chain moving through its various rail and logistics operations. The Student Conductor will learn the safe switching of railcars and assist with various tasks while adhering to safety rules and completing necessary paperwork.
Customer ServiceLogisticsTransportationWarehousing
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
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
Company
Watco
Watco is a full-service supply chain solutions provider specializing in rail, transloading, and logistics.
Founded in 1983
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.57BKey Investors
Duration Capital Partners
2025-09-03Debt Financing· $250M
2025-06-17Private Equity· $600M
2024-07-10Debt Financing· $700M
Leadership Team
Dan Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Andy Cordischi
SVP, Chief Information Officer
Recent News
Morningstar.com
2025-09-04
2025-09-04
Venture Capital Firms
2025-06-22
Company data provided by crunchbase