Train Conductor

Canadian Pacific Kansas City; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) seeks a conductor in Davenport, IA. You will join a train crew, switch cars in yards, and move trains, ensuring safety for yourself and others. The job requires readiness for unscheduled shifts, extended time away from home, and outdoor work in all weather.

CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid training with $237.67 daily classroom pay and $38.84 per hour on the job. Typical earnings are around $117,000 annually, with potential to reach $133,000.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to read and understand safety instructions, operating rules, and other material in English.
• Must pass required physical tasks for the position.

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.
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals affecting train movement.
• Signal crew members for movement using signals or radio.
• Follow GCOR and general orders/bulletins.”
• Provide flag protection and relay signals in emergencies.
• Move on/off moving or stationary equipment.
• Fill out forms including train orders and switch lists; prepare clear reports.
• Handle emergencies and operate fire extinguishers; apply first aid as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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 vigilance 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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work such as walking up to 6 miles 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 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 the movement of a 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

TRAINING PROGRAM

CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid in-class and field training. You will receive $237.67 per day in classroom training and $38.84 per hour in on‑the‑job training. The average conductor earns approximately $117,000 annually, with the ability to make up to $133,000.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Medical and drug testing: a successful pre‑employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company and/or regulated drug test is required. Post‑hire qualification drug testing may also be required.
• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Social Security Number verification
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 form

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).