Train Conductor

CPKC; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plans

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is recruiting for a Conductor in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The role supports safe movement of trains and yards, requiring endurance, alertness, and precise communication in a 24/7 environment.

This position leads to opportunities like Yard Foreperson or Locomotive Engineer, with 16 weeks of paid training and guaranteed safety-focused progression.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work (walking up to 10 km daily, lifting up to 80 lb).
• Willingness to work unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 environment.
• Work up to 12 hour shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays.
• Be able to report to work within a 2 hour call window after rest.
• Strong focus, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Must pass required physical tasks, read safety instructions and operating rules in English.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Work in train or yard service depending on seniority.
• Carry out instructions detailing a train's route and movements.
• Coordinate switching of cars, including coupling/uncoupling and lifting out devices.
• Observe and relay signals affecting train movement.
• Signal crew members using signals or radio for train movement.
• Follow GCOR, general orders and bulletins.
• Provide flag protection and relay signals in emergencies.
• Move on/off moving or stationary equipment.
• Fill out train orders, switch lists and reports.
• Handle emergencies and operate fire extinguishers; apply first aid.

Skills

Physical stamina

Multitask

Strong communication

Shift work flexibility

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma

Valid driver's 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.

CPKC is hiring for January 2027.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The conductor position is a foundational role in the railway and operates within the framework of the union agreement. A conductor works as a member of a train crew that assists in switching rail cars, making or splitting up trains in rail yards, or moving rail cars between rail yards. This position requires you to be vigilant about the safety of yourself and those around you. You must be prepared for unscheduled shift work, being away from home for extended periods of time and working outdoors in all types of weather.

Joining CPKC as a conductor can lead to career growth as a Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer or management.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform work that can be physically demanding such as walking up to 10 kilometers a day on uneven ground, climbing up and down and lifting and pulling heavy objects (up to 80 pounds on occasion)
• Willingness to work unscheduled shift work in a 24/7 operating environment
• Working up to 12 hour shifts which include days, evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays
• Ability to report to work within a two hour call window, after scheduled rest
• Excellent focus, attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Strong communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions including over radio)
• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions for long periods of time
• Must be able to pass the required physical job tasks for the job position, written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, read and understand operating rules and regulations and other written or printed material in English
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Valid driver’s license

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Work in either train or yard service depending on seniority
• Carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and specific movements
• Coordinate the switching of cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars and lifting out coupling device
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting movement of train
• Signal crew members for movement of the engine or train using specific signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, back-up, set or release air brakes
• Maintain a thorough understanding of and follow General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), general orders and bulletins
• Provide flag protection and relay signals to trains in an emergency situation
• Move on and off moving or stationary equipment
• Fill out forms including train orders and switch lists and prepare clear and legible reports
• Handle emergency situations and operate fire extinguishers as well as be able to apply first aid techniques

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

TRAINING PROGRAM:

CPKC provides 16 weeks of paid in-class and field training. Providing you with a solid understanding of our safety practices, rules and operations. You will earn 80% of the job rate upon starting classroom training $205.69 per day and then 90% of the job rate upon successful completion of the classroom portion (including Part II Exams) $231.40 per day. Earn $85,000 in your first year working as a qualified conductor.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety critical position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, alcohol and drug audit assessments, 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 provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Type: Union

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Country: Canada

% of Travel: 90-100%

# of Positions: 10

Job Available to: Internal & External