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 on the same team. One Watco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZUdmGlPP8c) .

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek

• Competitive compensation and benefits (https://www.watco.com/benefits/)

• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers

• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center (https://vimeo.com/895928733) in Birmingham, Alabama

• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University

• Career advancement opportunities

  POSITION OVERVIEW

  The Field Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment by identifying and addressing hazardous conditions, unsafe behaviors, and compliance gaps in daily operations. This role involves conducting audits, inspections, and safety observations, as well as leading training sessions, job briefings, and safety meetings. The specialist will collaborate with the Safety Manager, Terminal Manager, and operations teams to develop and implement effective safety procedures, investigate incidents, and promote a culture of safety. With a focus on hands-on, field-based work, this position plays a key role in maintaining compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company regulations while supporting the overall safety and environmental goals of the terminal.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Instruct and empower location level leadership and operations team members to take ownership of their own safety processes and initiatives.

• Maintain and audit the JSA/JHA process in conjunction with location leaders and team member specialists. Provide dual verification of safety system implementation, including DV of safety processes and operations procedures, to identify gaps between what is written and what is done in the field.

• Conduct E-testing and safety observations daily.

• Be receptive to team member complaints and suggestions regarding field level safety, inform and assist, safety manager and terminal management with addressing team member’s concerns.

• Assist locations in incident investigation and reporting process and root cause analysis with focus on driving prevention. Continuing education and knowledge through regulatory research, self-study, seminars, and conferences to ensure best practice changes in our industry are maintained.

• Assist Safety Manager and Terminal Manager with drills/exercises, in-house, and with outside agencies for security, emergency response, etc.

• Assist in building team cultural support of policies related to safety by leading efforts in properly treating workplace injuries or illnesses while ensuring company medical providers are unbiased and understand OSHA and internal rules on injury reporting.

• Is responsible for leading, training, and conducting safety activities, including identifying and eliminating hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviors across all operational tasks.

• Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Safety Manager and Operations  

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be skilled and knowledgeable in hazard and exposure identification, auditing and inspections.

• Able to provide clear, effective written and oral communication to fellow team members and leadership

• Must be able to deal with potential injury and incidents as the facility Field Safety Specialist.

• Be able to assist with determination of root causes by using thorough and proven investigation techniques, and then provide findings that are concise, accurate and timely.

• Ability to see details and distinguish colors to ensure safety

• Ability to hear and respond to auditory signals and safety cues

  QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimal Associate’s degree in industrial safety, industrial hygiene or related discipline is preferred.

• A minimum of 3 years of safety or marine operational experience required

• Bilingual preferred but not required

• Must possess a valid driver license with a clear record

• Ability to obtain a TWIC card.

• Proficiency in Microsoft suite of tools including Power Point, Excel, Word is highly desired.

  WORK ENVIRONMENT

  The work environment and physical requirements for this role involve a range of activities, including frequent walking, standing, and tasks requiring fine finger manipulation and repetitive motion. Occasional lifting (20–50 lbs), climbing, stooping, bending, and use of foot or hand controls are necessary. The job may include exposure to moderate noise levels, varying weather conditions, and environmental factors like proximity to moving parts and potential exposure to electricity or chemicals.