Train Conductor

Train Conductor

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. If you enjoy working outdoors in a safety‑focused environment, a rewarding career as a Train Conductor might be right for you.

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 oral and written 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 via handheld radio with the Rail Traffic Control center, other train crews, and other departments.

• Work a flexible 24/7 schedule, including night shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and travel away from home.
• Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 lbs; climb ladders; grasp objects while riding a train; walk, bend, stoop, squat, and kneel frequently.
• Work outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Operate devices such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes on rail cars and locomotives.
• Meet medical fitness requirements, including color signal recognition per the Railway Association of Canada.

• High School Diploma or equivalence.
• Pass safety and rules exams as required by the Collective Agreement; subsequent Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment.
• Maintain a valid Conductors Rule Card.
• Valid passport allowing entry to Canada and the United States (location‑specific).
• Proficiency in oral and written English and French per location.

• Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or a regulatory and safety environment.
• Completion of college, vocational, or technical schooling, or prior 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; pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.

• 9–10 weeks at the CN Campus (classroom training & exams).
• 11+ weeks at the CN Home Terminal (on‑the‑job training & qualifying trips).

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.