CDL Driver

Sperry Rail Inc.; Greater Sudbury; Remote; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider in rail detection services seeks an individual to operate a detector car, perform inspections, and maintain equipment while frequently traveling across Canada. The candidate must possess a valid CDL and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits while contributing to rail safety innovations.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous paid time off

Full complement of health and welfare benefits

Qualifications

• Valid CDL Class A/1 or B/3 with air brake endorsement.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Ability to crawl under an 18-inch clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate test vehicle/detector car on and off railroad tracks.
• Perform vehicle inspections and equipment set-up.
• Record and interpret data on computer monitors.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Basic mechanical tasks

Bilingual (English/French)

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

CDL Class A/1 or B/3

Job description

Overview

Sperry Rail Service is a leading global provider of Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) services and technologies for Railway Networks worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Sperry's reach of services and people stretches across the globe. Being the predominant name in Rail Health solutions for over 95 years, our reputation and success rate are unmatched. We continue to evolve through progressive investments in our people and the cutting-edge technologies that have made Sperry unrivaled in the industry.

THIS IS A HEAVY TRAVEL POSITION!! Candidates must be willing and able to travel 3-4 months at a time throughout Canada.

Responsibilities

• Operate test vehicle/detector car (either a "rail-bound" vehicle that looks like a railroad passenger car or a box truck modified to ride rails) on and off railroad tracks and in all road conditions.
• Perform vehicle inspections and equipment set-up.
• Record and interpret data on computer monitors.
• Service/maintain/repair the vehicle and detector carriage under the vehicle, including crawling under the vehicle with clearance as little as eighteen inches and bending/kneeling/squatting in awkward postures under the vehicle.
• Climb steps and/or ladders to enter/exit the vehicle repeatedly; perform a ground examination of rails with hand test units.

Personal protective equipment is required. This includes safety glasses, safety steel-toed boots, hard hats, and safety vests, which are mandatory. Safety goggles and neoprene gloves may be required when working with vehicle fluids (e.g., antifreeze, oil, cleaners).

Required to be trained in Road Worker Safety once a year.

Working Conditions & Safety

All work to be completed in the field. Weather conditions may be extreme.

Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. Report any safety violations or faulty conditions to the supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Operate the detector car; ascend and descend car via ladder or steps to obtain and assist crew members with measurements and recordings. Place and operate test equipment on the rail line. Operate equipment to fill paint and water tanks on the rail car; exit/enter the vehicle via a ladder or steps (a few hundred steps a day).
• Identify: Perform visual observation of car and track conditions, test data, and equipment function.
• Communicate: Must be able to communicate verbally, clearly, and concisely to pilot and crew members to obtain instructions and safety rules, determine traffic patterns, and announce obstructions on the rail; communication may be with an individual in the adjacent seat or located in the rear of the vehicle. It will also require communication via radio and intercom; hearing various buzzers and alarms used in the vehicle is safety critical.
• Maintain: Inspect and maintain all components of the vehicle motor, body, carriage, and generator. Perform cleaning including sweeping/mopping inside the vehicle and washing outside. In addition to common vehicle maintenance (oil, antifreeze, air filters), maintenance and repair of the detector carriage is also required, including crawling under the vehicle with limited clearance and awkward postures.

Postures & Locomotion

• Lower Extremity: Maintain awkward back and shoulder postures while under the vehicle; lay on back or stomach to propel the body under the vehicle.
• Locomotion: Walk on uneven surfaces in the railroad bed/on top of ballast; climb steps or stairs onto/off the vehicle; ascend/descend up to 300 steps per day.
• Upper Extremity: Grip/grasp hand tools; reach forward to check gauges; reach overhead with full extension at various angles.
• Back/Neck Postures: Bend/twist neck to full range; side bending with load.
• Sitting/Standing: Sit for extended periods while operating the vehicle; alternate standing and sitting to perform tasks.

Special Senses

• Visual: observe track signals, distinguish red/green/yellow, observe data on computer monitors, and judge speed/distance of approaching vehicles. Distant Objects minimum 20/40 each eye (DOT/FRA) with or without correction. Visual field 70 deg horizontal in each eye. Recognize signal colors (DOT/FRA).
• Hearing: verbal communications and alarms at various frequencies.

Driving, Maintenance & Customer Interaction

• Driving: Ensure safe driving, comply with DOT regulations (driver logs, weigh stations, stickers, registration, etc.), and follow customer procedures.
• Maintenance: Follow proper maintenance procedures, assist field maintenance personnel, perform periodic checks, ensure compliance with preventive maintenance and DOT inspections, and maintain detector car organization.
• Customer Interaction: Exercise diplomacy with RR personnel; report complaints to the Chief Operator; assist with entering required data into the DCS reporting system.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Valid CDL Class A/1 or B/3 with air brake endorsement
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to perform basic mechanical tasks (change a tire, replace a battery, etc.)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs., occasionally assist in lifting objects over 100 lbs.
• Ability to squat, kneel, etc., for extended periods
• Ability to crawl under an 18-inch clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience
• HS Diploma or GED
• Bilingual (English/French)

Why Sperry

• Competitive salary.
• Generous paid time off.
• Full complement of health and welfare benefits.
• Meaningful and engaging work with intrinsic motivation.
• Contribution to advancing cultural dynamics and infrastructure.
• Collaboration across high-performing teams with clear goals.
• Opportunity for thought leadership within a supportive environment.

About Sperry

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as a market leader. We have modernized rail diagnostics for nearly a century, guided by honesty, accountability, passion, integrity, and teamwork. We invite those with similar passions to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to the market. We offer more than a job; we offer an opportunity to be part of something different.

Note: Sperry Rail is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status.