Train Conductor

Canadian National Inc.; Williams Lake; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee share investment plan (ESIP)

Pension

Benefits and other perks

Job summary

Canadian National Inc. is seeking a Train Conductor to operate as part of a 2–3 person crew, coordinating movements of trains, rail cars and locomotives in yards and on routes. You will perform ground work outside the cab, operate track switches, and handle rail car assembly and disassembly.

The role requires readiness for shift work, strong safety focus, and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions. Training is provided, with comprehensive benefits under CN’s collective agreements.

Qualifications

• Completion of College or Vocational or Technical School or Freight Conductor experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with train orders, signals, rules and safety regulations
• Issue and interpret instructions for movement and placement of rail cars
• Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard and on-route
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals for safe movement of trains
• Operate track switches to reroute locomotives and cars
• Inspect train and equipment condition
• Make decisions in unfamiliar locations or emergencies
• Communicate with Rail Traffic Control and other crews regularly by radio

Education

College or Vocational or Technical School

High School Diploma or GED

Freight Conductor experience

Job description

Please note that the language you select on this site will be the primary language used for all future communications regarding your application.

Highest Level Division: Transportation & Network Ops

Posting Start Date: 10/29/26

Posting End Date: 11/30/2026 11:59 EDT

Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits and other perks.

At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.

If you enjoy hands-on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety-first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people.

Job Summary

The Train Conductor is responsible for acting as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and executes any ground work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars and making emergency repairs).

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad rules and regulations related to safety and operations
• Provide and receive various forms of oral and printed instructions concerning the movement and placement of rail cars
• Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard, and pick up and set off rail cars on-route
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals to ensure safe train and locomotive movement
• Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes
• Inspect the condition of a train and equipment
• Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations
• Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control centre, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio

Working Conditions

• Work a flexible schedule with regular and predictable attendance, in line with the 24/7 railroading environment
• Available to work night shifts, weekends, holiday work hours, some overtime and being away from home for extended periods of time when necessary
• Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 pounds
• Primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Operate various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes
• Climb on and off ladders of moving rail cars
• Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train
• Walk for frequent extended periods
• Bend, stoop, squat, and kneel frequently
• Meet medical fitness requirements for the position, including those established by the Railway Association of Canada, such as the ability to recognize and distinguish between the colours of signals

Experience

• Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment*

Education/Certification/Designation

• Completion of College or Vocational or Technical School or Freight Conductor experience*
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per collective agreement, subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment)
• Obtain and maintain Conductors Rule Card
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's licence
• Possess and maintain a passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (in certain specific locations)
• Proficiency in both oral and written communications

• Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per collective agreement, subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment)
• Obtain and maintain Conductors Rule Card
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's licence
• Possess and maintain a passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (in certain specific locations)
• Proficiency in both oral and written communications

*Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 11 weeks (7 weeks classroom and 4 weeks field training) at CN's Campus in Winnipeg, MB. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Winnipeg are covered. After these initial 11 weeks, the incumbent completes a minimum of 45 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [e-mail].

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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