Machine Operator Job Details | CPKC

Canadian Pacific Railway; Cranbrook; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major North American railroad company is seeking a motivated individual to join their Section Gang in Cranbrook, Alberta, responsible for maintaining railroad tracks. This role involves operating specialized machinery to ensure safe and efficient conditions. Ideal candidates must have a high school diploma, a Class 3 driver's license, and be comfortable with extensive travel. The company offers a competitive benefits package and values diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Flexible and competitive benefits package

Annual fitness subsidy

Employee share purchase plan

Qualifications

• Willingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locations.
• Must possess the relevant Machine Operator Group credentials.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper care, safe operation, and maintenance of all assigned work equipment.
• Verify track machines are safe for operation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Structures Supervisor.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Comfortable working on structures at heights

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Valid Driver’s Class 3 commercial driver license

Job description

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As a member of the Section Gang, you will be responsible for laying, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks for standard or narrow-gauge equipment used in mainline service, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Duties include operating specialized machinery such as ballast cleaning and bed tamping equipment to ensure safe and efficient track conditions.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure proper care, safe operation, and maintenance of all assigned work equipment
• Verify that track machines, roadway machines, or other equipment are in safe operating condition prior to use, and confirm appropriate protection measures are in place during operation
• Maintain secure storage and proper handling of equipment when not in use, including overnight and idle periods
• Inspect and confirm that special tools, spare parts, and attachments are in good working order and remain with the assigned machine
• Allow only authorized personnel on equipment and ensure they are safely positioned before any movement occurs
• Provide adequate protection for the machine and correctly handle switches when operating independently, without direct foreman supervision.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Structures Supervisor

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Valid Driver’s Class 3 commercial driver license
• Willingness to travel extensively and work across multiple locations
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to relay track conditions to team members via telephone or radio
• Be comfortable working on structures at heights with proper fall protection equipment
• Must possess the relevant Machine Operator Group credentials and fulfill all CPKC training requirements

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER

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

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Medical and Drug Testing

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

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history

CULTURE OF INCLUSION

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 provide, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

• Req ID: 105443
• Department: Engineering
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Cranbrook, British Columbia
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel: 50-60%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $29.89 - 35.16 per hour
• Job Available to: Internal & External