Rail Track Maintainer (Illinois Central)

CN; Markham (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks of paid training

Unionized position

Safety equipment provided

Job summary

CN is seeking a Rail Track Maintainer to inspect, repair, and replace rails, ties, switches and ballasts. The role operates outdoors, in varying weather, and emphasizes a safe working environment while maintaining track integrity.

The incumbent will perform inspections, handle heavy equipment familiarity, and adhere to CN safety policies. This is a unionized position with four weeks of paid classroom training and requirements including being 18+ and holding a valid driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver's licence is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old and meet medical fitness for duty, including safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair and replace rails, ties, switches and ballasts.
• Maintain and use hand tools for assigned work.
• Remove and replace defective ties, rails spikes and anchors.
• Repair deviations in track surface, alignment and gauge.
• Install/repair crossings and assist in replacing or repairing switches and insulated joints.
• Unload ballast and distribute track material.
• Ensure railroad right-of-way is clear of brush and debris.
• Follow CN safety policies to maintain a safe working environment.

Skills

Teamwork

Autonomy

Stress management

Safety awareness

Welding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver's licence

Job description

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

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly

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
• Grasping skills
• Welding skills*
• 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 4 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.