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 on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Hourly Pay Rate: $20.00

Schedule: 24/7/365 operations, 8 hour schedule, 5 days a week chosen off seniority. New Team Member will need to be flexible to work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shifts, to include weekends and holidays. 

The Dispatcher will provide safe and efficient movement of trains authorizing the occupancy of main track and sidings for train operations, track inspection and maintenance personnel working with trains. The Train Dispatcher will report to the Senior Chief, Chief Dispatcher and Assistance Chiefs on duty. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Authorizing the occupancy of main track and sidings by issuing track bulletins and warrants and communicating such authorities to train crews, track crews and others.
• Monitoring train movement and conditions affecting movements (such as weather conditions, train crew availability, engine and equipment availability, track warrants/bulletins, general orders, timetables, track conditions and speed restrictions), taking indicated actions to assure safety and performance, and coordinating responses to unplanned events and emergency situations.
• Tracking train delays, assuring movement of priority trains and coordinating the movement and protection of high/wide loads and special movements.
• Communicating via telephone or radio with train crews, yard supervisory personnel, Maintenance of Way personnel and others regarding train movements and instructions, train orders and authorities. Working with Law Enforcement agencies in emergency situations
• Reporting all incidences of railroad crossing malfunctions and providing proper notifications and protection. Keeping Federal Records that may be produced in a court of Law.
• Collecting all required information needed for reporting maintained in the dispatch office. This is information that is reported to our main headquarters in Pittsburg, Ks for measurements related to cost effectiveness.
• All Dispatcher calls are recorded and timed for safety, accuracy and great customer service!
• All Dispatchers must be able to work any shift at any time with short notice.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma required, College Degree preferred but may except equivalent experience
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, pressure-filled work environment, yet still maintain outstanding customer service
• Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules preferred
• Strong typing and 10 key skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, must be able to prioritize and multi-task at the same time 
• Must be self-motivated and team driven
• Strong phone skills, friendly but firm phone personality
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to learn and utilize new computer systems
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to communicate written and orally and coordinate well with others
• Flexibility with hours and schedules. Must be able to work any shift at any time
• May be necessary to change shifts at a moment’s notice
• Minimal Travel required

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