Rail Track Maintainer

Canadian National Inc.; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESIP

Pension

Benefits

RRB benefits

Job summary

Canadian National Inc. is seeking a Rail Track Maintainer to inspect, repair, and replace rails, ties, switches and ballasts. The role operates outdoors in all weather, ensuring a safe work environment while maintaining track integrity for reliable service.

Responsibilities include handling track materials, replacing defective components, and maintaining equipment. The position requires physical stamina, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work overtime/shift as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be physically able to perform outdoor work in varying weather.
• Must have valid driver’s license and be able to meet medical fitness for duty.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair and replace rails, ties, switches and ballasts.
• Maintain hand tools and equipment used for track work.
• Replace defective ties, rails spikes and anchors as needed.
• Repair deviations in track surface, alignment and gauge.
• Install/repair street and railroad crossings and related components.
• Unload ballast and distribute track materials.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Autonomy

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

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.

Posting End Date: 10/14/2026 11:59 PM CDT

Qualified Rate: $33.51 Per hour

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, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) 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 Rail Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing and replacing rails, ties, switches and ballasts. The role performs outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and ensures a safe working environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Maintain CN's train rails, ties, switches and ballasts through inspection, repair, and replacement
• Maintain various hand tools for assigned work
• Remove and replace defective ties, rails spikes, and anchors
• Repair deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge
• Install and repair street and railroad crossings and assist in the replacement or repair of items such as power-operated switches and insulated joints
• Unload ballasts and distribute track material
• Sort used track material for loading
• Ensure railroad right-of-way is clear of brush, vegetation, snow and litter
• Ensure a safe working environment, by following CN's safety policies and procedures

Working Conditions

• Shift work, with occasional overtime when necessary
• Long periods of travel required, including overnight
• Primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Repetitive physical activity
• Physical: lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 70 pounds occasionally
• Respirator use is required for certain tasks, with periodic audiometric testing and respirator fit testing conducted as needed

Experience

• Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment
• Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Valid driver's licence
• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position, including requirements for Safety
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety, productivity and client satisfaction
• Displays common sense and good judgment
• Hand-eye coordination
• Knowledge of signals or Railroad Operating Rules*
• *Any knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent receives classroom training over a period of 3 weeks at 40 hours per week. The training is primarily on health and safety rules and basic machine operator procedures. Successful completion of the classroom training is mandatory in order to work as a Rail Track Maintainer.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.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.