Train Conductor

CPKC; Ottumwa (IA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and competitive benefits package

Competitive pension and/or retirement plans

Employee share purchase plan

Annual fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is looking for a Conductor in Ottumwa, Iowa to join our team. This critical role involves operating within a union agreement, coordinating train activities, and ensuring safety on the job.

The ideal candidate will be physically capable of performing demanding tasks and possess strong communication skills. CPKC offers extensive training, competitive benefits, and an average annual salary of approximately $117,000, with potential earnings up to $133,000.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work including walking up to 6 miles a day.
• Must be able to lift and pull objects up to 80 pounds on occasion.
• Demonstrated willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions over extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in switching rail cars and making or splitting up trains.
• Coordinate the switching of cars and relay signals to crew members.
• Maintain understanding of and follow General Code of Operating Rules and related regulations.

Skills

Physical stamina

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking ability

Education

High school diploma or general equivalency

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.

CPKC is hiring for October 2026.

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 you to be vigilant 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 work that can be physically demanding 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 job 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 movement of 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
• Part-time studies program

Training Program

CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid in-class and field training. Providing you with a solid understanding of our safety practices, rules and operations. You will earn $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: This is a safety critical position and 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.

Background Investigation: 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).

• Req ID: 106050
• Department: Operations Southern Region
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Ottumwa, Iowa
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 80-90%
• # of Positions: 3
• Job Available to: Internal & External