Boat Pilot - New Martinsville, WV

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
• 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

Job Summary

The Boat Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of vessels and supervision of crew to ensure efficient barge movements and fleet management. This role requires compliance with Coast Guard, environmental, and company regulations while maintaining effective communication with team members and customers.

Pay Range: $35 - $40
Typical schedule 5:00am to finish, but not past 5:00pm. Monday through Friday, ocassional Saturdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe operation of the boat and supervision of the boat crew
• Perform first aid and CPR on team members when required
• Respond appropriately in emergency situations
• Communicate regularly via 2-way radio with team members during operations
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, managers, and customers
• Direct barge movements and fleeting with team members
• Comply with company policies, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and environmental requirements
• Maintain 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
• Apply procedures with good judgment, learning from directions and observations
• Apply working knowledge of Watco Safety and operating principles
• Work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others
• Coordinate activities with other boat crews
• Receive and follow oral or written instructions from supervisors regarding barge movements
• Notify supervisors and teammates before moves using radio, verbal, or hand signals
• Remain professional when addressing customers with set start and stop time
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all moves
• Coordinate activities through supervisors regarding customer needs
• Maintain constant visual or radio contact with deckhands during fleet work
• Notify supervisors of incoming barges and manage the fleet according to river levels
• Perform minor maintenance and oversee boat housekeeping
• Keep logs and paperwork current as required by the Coast Guard
• Provide coverage for other pilots during vacation periods, as needed
• Verify deckhands’ work through dual verification to ensure fleet condition standards are met
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions and resolve problems with multiple concrete variables
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing
• Must be available to work a rotating shift as well as be prepared to work in all types of weather
• Must have a Master Towing Vessel License
• Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card

Education