Train Conductor
Role Overview
The Train Conductor works on a two- or three-person crew moving trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road.
The role includes ground work outside the locomotive cab, such as operating switches, picking up rail cars, and making emergency repairs.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Role summary
The Train Conductor works on a two- or three-person crew moving trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road.
The role includes ground work outside the locomotive cab, such as operating switches, picking up rail cars, and making emergency repairs.
Main responsibilities
- Follow train orders, signals, railroad rules, and safety and operating regulations.
- Give and receive oral and printed instructions about rail-car movement and placement.
- Assemble and dismantle trains in yards and pick up or set off rail cars on route.
- Observe, interpret, and relay signals; operate track switches; and inspect train and equipment condition.
- Make effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and emergencies, and communicate by handheld radio with Rail Traffic Control, crews, and other departments.
Working conditions
- Work a flexible schedule with regular attendance in a 24/7 railroading environment, including nights, weekends, holidays, and some overtime.
- Extended periods away from home may be necessary.
- Work primarily outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- The work involves lifting and carrying up to 90 pounds, climbing on and off moving rail cars, walking for extended periods, and frequent bending, stooping, squatting, and kneeling.
- Meet medical fitness requirements, including the ability to recognize and distinguish signal colours.
Experience and education
- Completion of college, vocational, or technical school, or freight conductor experience.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Relevant experience in similar working conditions or in a regulatory and safety environment is an asset.
Technical requirements
- Write and pass safety and rules exams; a subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification is required to retain seniority and employment.
- Obtain and maintain a Conductors Rule Card and a valid driver’s licence.
- Maintain a passport allowing entry to and re-entry from Canada and the United States in certain locations.
- Proficiency in written and oral communication.
Training and employment details
The intensive paid training program includes 11 weeks at CN’s Winnipeg campus: seven weeks in the classroom and four weeks of field training.
CN covers transportation, accommodation, and meal expenses while in Winnipeg.
After initial training, complete at least 45 trips as an extra crew member; successful completion of the full training program is mandatory.
The position is unionized, with pay and benefits governed by the applicable collective agreement.
New hires may receive a lower hourly rate during the qualifying period.
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