Train Conductor

Train Conductor

At CN, we are committed to excellence, safety, and integrity while delivering the highest standard of service. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and sustainable results for customers and communities alike.

The Train Conductor is a member of a 2‑ or 3‑person train crew, responsible for the transportation of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in yards and on the road. Duties include assembling trains, performing ground work outside the locomotive cab, operating track switches, picking up rail cars, and making emergency repairs.

• Work a flexible, 24/7 schedule with regular, predictable attendance.
• Available for night shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and extended periods away from home.
• Push, pull, lift, and carry up to 90 pounds.
• Work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Operate railcar devices such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes.
• Climb ladders on 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, including signal colour recognition as established by the Railway Association of Canada.

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad rules, and safety regulations.
• Provide and receive oral and printed instructions related to train movement and rail car placement.
• Assemble and dismantle trains in the yard, pick up and set off rail cars on route.
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals to ensure safe movement.
• Operate track switches to change locomotive and railcar routes.
• Inspect train and equipment condition.
• Make effective decisions in unfamiliar locations or during emergencies.
• Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control center, other crews, and departments via handheld radio.

• High School Diploma or equivalence.
• Pass safety and rules exams (as per Collective Agreement). Subsequent Conductor qualification to retain seniority and employment.
• Acquire and maintain Conductors Rule Card.
• Valid passport allowing entry to Canada and the United States (location‑specific).
• Proficiency in both oral and written communication in English/French per location.

• Relevant work experience in similar conditions or regulatory and safety environments.
• Completion of college, vocational, technical training, 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 unionized; pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.

Newly hired CN Conductors attend a comprehensive paid training program at CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB). Transportation, accommodation, and meals during campus training are covered by CN.

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

• Medical assessment (drug screening, hearing, vision).
• Criminal background check.
• Offer letter.
• The number of training weeks depends on terminal requirements and union agreement.

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.

If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms, or other accommodations), please contact .