Signal & Communication Technician

Ontario Northland; Northeastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid personal leave days

Discounted transportation on bus and/​

Job summary

Ontario Northland is seeking a Signal & Communication Technician in Cochrane to install, maintain and repair way-side detection systems and communications equipment. The role supports reliability and safety in rail traffic movement, reporting to the Supervisor of Signals & Communications.

The position requires a college diploma in electronics/electrical/telecommunications, experience with radio equipment, networking knowledge, and willingness to travel up to 80%.

Qualifications

• College technician or technologist diploma in Electronics, Electrical, or Telecommunications, or equivalent.
• Experience with two-way radio equipment and base stations.
• Understanding of Ethernet and basic networking principles.
• Knowledge of railway field environments and signal plant equipment is an asset.
• Willingness to complete training in Railway Signaling and pass required testing.
• Qualified in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) or willing and able to obtain qualification.
• Ability to troubleshoot effectively using various types of test equipment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, either independently or in a group environment.
• Valid G driver’s license with the ability to travel 80% of the time.
• Commitment to workplace Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs designated signal equipment such as crossings, hot box and dragging detectors, radio-controlled switches, AEI car readers, high water detectors, wheel impact load detector, monitoring systems, switch heaters and blowers, and other related equipment.
• Support Signal Maintainers with in-depth troubleshooting.
• Performs monthly, semi‑annual, and annual preventative maintenance on assigned Signal equipment.
• Installs, removes, or modifies various signal appliances and their associated track circuitry.
• Operates electronic test instruments such as service monitors, power meters, frequency generators, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and various hand and power tools.
• Performs board‑level troubleshooting and repair when required.
• Conducts scheduled system tests and accurately records results.
• Maintains all required records and documentation.
• Maintains spares inventory and manages return/repair requests, including related shipping and tracking.
• Maintains and repairs train radio equipment and supporting infrastructure including VHF base stations, dispatcher consoles, control equipment, node processors, voice recorders, switches, antennas, power converters, cabling, speakers, backup battery plants, inverters, and rectifiers.
• Responds to emergency repair situations during and outside regular working hours as required.

Skills

Two-way radio equipment

Base stations

Networking basics

Troubleshooting

Independent learning

Work independently

Education

College technician or technologist diploma in Electronics, Electrical, or Telecommunications

Tools

Excel

Word

Email applications

Job description

POSITION: Signal & Communication Technician

REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Signals & Communications

DEPARTMENT: Rail Infrastructure

LOCATION: Cochrane

REFERENCE: 200-144-27

RATE OF PAY: $43.31 per hour

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, a defined benefit pension plan, paid personal leave days and discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT:

The Signal and Communication Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wayside detection systems, communications equipment, and Signal Department apparatus that support the safe and efficient movement of rail traffic. This role plays a critical part in ensuring system reliability and protecting the safety of employees and the public.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains and repairs designated signal equipment such as crossings, hot box and dragging equipment detectors, radio-controlled switches, AEI car readers, high water detectors, wheel impact load detector, monitoring systems, switch heaters and blowers, and other related equipment.
• Support Signal Maintainers with in-depth troubleshooting.
• Performs monthly, semi‑annual, and annual preventative maintenance on assigned Signal equipment.
• Installs, removes, or modifies various signal appliances and their associated track circuitry.
• Operates electronic test instruments such as service monitors, power meters, frequency generators, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and various hand and power tools.
• Performs board‑level troubleshooting and repair when required.
• Conducts scheduled system tests and accurately records results.
• Maintains all required records and documentation.
• Maintains spares inventory and manages return/repair requests, including related shipping and tracking.
• Maintains and repairs train radio equipment and supporting infrastructure including VHF base stations, dispatcher consoles, control equipment, node processors, voice recorders, switches, antennas, power converters, cabling, speakers, backup battery plants, inverters, and rectifiers.
• Responds to emergency repair situations during and outside regular working hours as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This is considered a safety-sensitive position; therefore, applicants must pass Transport Canada mandated medical examinations including testing for color vision & hearing acuity

REQUIREMENTS:

• College technician or technologist diploma in Electronics, Electrical, or Telecommunications, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience with two‑way radio equipment and base stations.
• Understanding of Ethernet and basic networking principles.
• Knowledge of general railway field environments and signal plant equipment is considered an asset.
• Willingness to complete training in Railway Signaling and successfully pass all required testing.
• Qualified in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) or willing and able to obtain qualification.
• Ability to troubleshoot effectively using various types of test equipment.
• Ability to learn independently using manufacturer documentation and service manuals.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, either independently or in a group environment.
• Physically capable of performing outdoor duties in various weather conditions and terrain, as well as indoor work in a Signal Shop environment.
• Basic proficiency with Excel, Word, and email applications.
• Valid G driver’s license with the ability to travel 80% of the time
• Commitment to workplace Health and Safety.

CLOSING DATE: October 25, 2027, 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.

At Ontario Northland, we are committed to employment equity. We value the unique skills and experiences 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 an 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.

Les offres d'emploi sont également disponibles en français. Visitez notre site Web sur les carrières ou appelez le 1-800-363-7512, poste 394 pour plus de renseignements.