Conductor Trainee

Ontario Northland; Northeastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Northland is seeking a Conductor Trainee to join our Rail Transportation team. You will work with two or three person train crews, ensuring safe arrivals of passengers and freight while following CROR rules. Training is provided with paid development paths and progression to conductor roles.

The position requires willingness to travel, work outdoors in all weather, and pass medical and drug tests. A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are needed to support operations.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills.
• Good decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Willing to work 24/7 on call and in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise passenger and freight train crew activities to stay on schedule.
• Communicate train orders to crew and ensure CROR compliance.
• Assist with switching cars, coupling/uncoupling, and safety procedures.
• Ride moving equipment when required and maintain clear reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Ability to work independently

Education

Secondary School Diploma or GED

Job description

POSITION:

Conductor Trainee (5 positions available)

REPORTS TO:

Manager Train Service

DEPARTMENT:

Rail Transportation

LOCATION:

Englehart or Cochrane home terminal - to be established based on operating requirements

REFERENCE:

100-148-27

RATE OF PAY:

$28.39/ hour (training rate)

WHO WE ARE:

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services. We are a modern, forward-thinking organization focused on providing safe and reliable transportation services. ONTC has a rich history of over 120 years and strong connections to the communities we serve. With over 1200 skilled professionals, we work together to enhance transportation services and ensure that they are sustainable for future generations. We offer a dynamic workplace culture, along with a competitive salary, excellent benefit package, a defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

CONDUCTOR - AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSPECTIVE:

The Company You Keep - Conductor Trevor - Video

The Company You Keep - Conductor Jodie - Video

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT:

Conductor Trainees will work alongside two or three person train crews in a safety-focused, supportive work environment, ensuring the safe arrival of passengers and freight to its destination. Whether it's switching cars, splitting, or moving cars between yards, sidings or tracks, Conductors keep us moving. Conductor Trainee is an entry-level union position that leads to career growth as a Yard Foreperson, Conductor, Locomotive Engineer or Management positions. ONTC provides paid in-class and field training with a guaranteed minimum starting at $87,474 after qualification as a conductor. Qualified Conductors/Engineers will receive training tailored to their experience and knowledge and will be paid at the current assignment rates of pay during familiarization.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordination and supervision of passenger and freight train crew activities to ensure train operations remain on schedule and are in accordance with Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR)
• Ensure train orders are received in good order, in accordance with CROR and effectively communicate the orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members
• Handling the switching of cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars and able to lift out coupling device
• Ride moving equipment by hanging onto grab irons or ladder, sometimes for extended periods of time
• Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information
• Collect fares on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops, answer passenger enquiries and assist passengers on and off the train
• Ensure customer satisfaction and achieve efficient operations
• Placing warning flares and flags appropriately to provide protection by and communicate to other trains in an emergency situation
• Fill out forms including train orders and switch lists and prepares required clear and legible reports

REQUIREMENTS:

• Secondary School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Willing to be on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Must pass physical, hearing and visual examinations as well as pre-employment drug/alcohol testing
• Previous experience as a conductor will be considered an asset
• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and to travel over rough terrain
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle
• May be required to lift up to 80 lbs
• Travel frequently and be away from home for extended periods of time
• Ability to certify in Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR)
• Good decision-making skills
• Commitment to Company Health and Safety
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
• Must be able to successfully complete Conductor training

CLOSING DATE: October 26, 2026 no later than 11:59 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

If it is determined that any information provided in the application or during the recruitment process is false, misleading, or incomplete, Ontario Northland may discontinue your candidacy from further consideration.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate will need to pass the following clearances: criminal record check, employment references, education verification, pre-placement medical, visual examination and drug/alcohol test.

At Ontario Northland, we are committed to employment equity. We value the unique skills and experience each person brings to Ontario Northland and invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.

Ontario Northland will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

ONTC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. We do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently. While the ATS may apply basic automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters.