At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.
If you enjoy working outdoors in a safety-focused environment, a rewarding career as a Train Conductor might be right for you! With a dynamic 24/7 schedule, no two days working look alike. You can expect exciting challenges, paid training, and supportive colleagues who share your passion for motion. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!
The Train Conductor acts 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 completes 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).
- 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 center, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio.
- 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 required.
- Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 pounds.
- Primarily work 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 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.
- High School Diploma or equivalence.
- Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per Collective Agreement, subsequent required Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment).
- Acquire and maintain Conductors Rule Card.
- A valid passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (location-specific).
- Proficiency in both oral and written communications (English / French per location).
- Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment.
- Completion of College or Vocational or Technical School or Freight Conductor experience.
- Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
- Paid Training and Career Development
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- 24/7 Telemedicine Service
- Employee Share Investment Plan
- Educational Financial Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
This position is a unionized position, as such pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.
Newly hired CN Conductors participate in a comprehensive paid training program at the CN Campus ( Winnipeg, MB) . Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while at Campus are covered by CN.
Successful completion of the entire training program, including written exams, physical assessments, and field training, is required to work as a CN Conductor.
Paid Training Structure:
- 9 – 10 weeks* at CN Campus (classroom training & exams)
- 11+ weeks* at CN Home Terminal (on-the-job training & qualifying trips)
- The specific number of weeks spent in training will depend on the requirements of the terminal and union agreement.
Successful Candidate Process:
- Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision)
- Criminal background check
- Offer Letter
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected].
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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