Machine Operator

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

We are seeking a Machine Operator to set up, maintain and operate heavy machinery used in railroad track construction and maintenance. As a member of the Section Gang, you will support the laying, repair, and upkeep of standard and narrow‑gauge railroad tracks in mainline service areas, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits. Responsibilities include operating specialized equipment, such as ballast cleaning and bed tamping machines, to help maintain safe and efficient track conditions.

The ideal candidate must have a strong aptitude for operating heavy machinery and willingness to travel as needed to support the assigned division.

• Repair and adjust track switches using appropriate tools and replacement parts
• Cut rails to specified lengths with rail saws
• Operate track‑wrench machines to tighten or loosen rail joint bolts
• Drill holes in rails, tie plates, or fish plates for bolts and spikes using power drills
• Clear tracks and switch boxes of debris, ice, or snow
• Operate spike pullers to remove old spikes from ties
• Grind rail ends to achieve smooth joints using portable grinders
• Operate spike‑driving machines to secure rails to ties
• Dress and reshape worn or damaged switch points or frogs with power grinders
• Operate vehicles that lay rails and tracks over designated sections for construction, repair, or maintenance

• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalency
• Valid Class B Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• 3+ years of experience operating heavy machinery and using measurement tools
• Basic understanding of machine functions and the ability to read schematics or blueprints
• Willingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locations
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to relay track conditions to appropriate stakeholders

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy

This is a safety‑sensitive position and a successful pre‑employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post‑hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request.

All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).