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- Employment type
- Full-time
- Experience level
- Entry, Junior · 0+ years
- Minimum education
- High school
- Apply by
- Oct 25, 2026
- Posting language
- English
- Working hours
- 40 hours per week
- Seniority
- Entry level
Job summary
Coordinate train movements as part of a crew, including assembling and dismantling trains, handling rail cars, operating track switches, and performing ground work in yards and on routes. Follow safety rules and instructions, inspect trains and equipment, interpret and relay signals, and communicate with rail traffic control and other crews.
Job details
Job Summary The Train Conductor is responsible for acting as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and executes any ground work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars and making emergency repairs). Main Responsibilities Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad rules and regulations related to safety and operations Provide and receive various forms of oral and printed instructions concerning the movement and placement of rail cars Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard, and pick up and set off rail cars on-route Observe, interpret, and relay signals to ensure safe train and locomotive movement Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes Inspect the condition of a train and equipment Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control centre, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio Working Conditions Work a flexible schedule with regular and predictable attendance, in line with the 24/7 railroading environment Available to work night shifts, weekends, holiday work hours, some overtime and being away from home for extended periods of time when necessary Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 pounds Primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions Operate various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes Climb on and off ladders of moving rail cars Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train Walk for frequent extended periods Bend, stoop, squat, and kneel frequently Meet medical fitness requirements for the position, including those established by the Railway Association of Canada, such as the ability to recognize and distinguish between the colours of signals Experience Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment* Education/Certification/Designation Completion of College or Vocational or Technical School or Freight Conductor experience* High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Competencies We Care About Each Other We Strive for Excellence We Succeed Together We Lead Responsibly Technical Skills/Knowledge Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per collective agreement, subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment) Obtain and maintain Conductors Rule Card Possess and maintain a valid driver's licence Possess and maintain a passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (in certain specific locations) Proficiency in both oral and written communications Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset Additional Information (If Any) The incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 11 weeks (7 weeks classroom and 4 weeks field training) at CN's Campus in Winnipeg, MB. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Winnipeg are covered. After these initial 11 weeks, the incumbent completes a minimum of 45 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
What you’ll do
Coordinate train movements as part of a crew, including assembling and dismantling trains, handling rail cars, operating track switches, and performing ground work in yards and on routes. Follow safety rules and instructions, inspect trains and equipment, interpret and relay signals, and communicate with rail traffic control and other crews.
Requirements
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and either relevant experience in similar working conditions or a qualifying education or freight conductor background. The role requires passing safety and rules exams, maintaining a Conductors Rule Card and valid driver's licence, meeting medical and physical requirements, and completing the mandatory training program.
Listed skills
- Control · Preferred
- Technical · Preferred
- Organization · Preferred
- Training · Preferred
- Attention to detail · Preferred
- Compliance · Preferred
- safety · Preferred
- Development · Preferred
- Time · Preferred
- Flexible · Preferred
- dismantling · Preferred
Other relevant skills
Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.
- Train Operations
- Rail Yard Operations
- Train Assembly and Dismantling
- Rail Car Pickup and Setoff
- Signal Interpretation
- Track Switch Operation
- Train and Equipment Inspection
- Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Emergency Decision-Making
- Radio Communication
- Physical Fitness
- Written and Oral Communication
- Conductors Rule Card
- Valid Driver's Licence
- Safety and Rules Exams
Job areas
- Transportation
- Logistics
- Security & Safety
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