Assistant Trainmaster

Canadian Pacific Railway; Savanna (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension plan

Employee share purchase plan

Performance incentive plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Job summary

Canadian Pacific Railway is seeking an Assistant Trainmaster to ensure efficient yard-terminal and road operations, building safe, cost-effective daily plans. You will coordinate train movements, supervise crews, and uphold CROR/GCOR rules across North America.

The role requires leadership, clear communication, and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, including night and weekend shifts, with a strong focus on safety and compliance. Training and advancement opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Must read and follow safety instructions and operating rules.
• Experience as conductor or locomotive engineer is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Proficient in English.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all train movements in yard and mainline under supervision.
• Lead safety, service, productivity, and financial metrics for inputs/outputs.
• Oversee operating plan, arrivals, inspections and dispatching of trains.
• Assist with crew transportation to trains.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Tools

MS Office

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:

The Assistant Trainmaster will support the efficient movement of traffic within the road territory and yard-terminal by developing, coordinating and ensuring the daily yard-terminal/road operating plan is completed in a safe and cost-effective manner.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Coordinate all train movements within the yard and mainline through active supervision of personnel and communication across departments ensuring compliance to Local Service Operating Plan and Operating Plan
• Coordinate and standardize processes related to operating plan, arrival, classification, building, inspecting and dispatching of trains
• Provide leadership accountability for inputs and outputs of safety, service, productivity and financial metrics
• Effectively lead Trains and Engines operating employees acting as a safety leader through active observations and discussions about rule compliance and by implementing preventative measures through staff engagement
• Occasionally operate trains; maintain certifications and licenses (Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) for Canada, General Code Operating Rules (GCOR) for U.S., Engineer, etc.) as per industry regulations
• Assist in crew transportation to and from trains

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Previous railway experience as a conductor and or locomotive engineer qualification is an asset
• Valid driver's license
• Available to work all types of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays in all weather conditions
• Leadership presence with the drive and commitment to career advancement
• Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to drill down to understand root cause and resolve complex issues
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing task priorities and work situations
• Excellent communication skills (provide clear and concise instructions/directions including over radio)
• Read and understand safety instructions, operating rules, regulations, and other written or printed material in English
• Proficient in MS Office Outlook, Word, and Excel

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Performance incentive plan
• Annual fitness subsidy

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Medical and Drug Testing

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

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Social Security Number verification

BECOMING A RAILROADER:

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

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).