Train Conductor Job Details | CPKC

Canadian Pacific Railway; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Pension plan

Employee share purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Part-time studies program

Job summary

CPKC is hiring for a conductor in Kansas City, Missouri. This safety-critical, union-position offers a clear ladder to roles like Yard Foreperson or Locomotive Engineer. Expect unscheduled shifts, long outdoor hours, and extensive travel across a 24/7 operation.

Training spans 15 weeks with paid classroom and on-the-job rates: $29.71/hour (non-service) and $38.84/hour (service) during training, rising to $46.34/hour once qualified.

Qualifications

• Must perform physically demanding tasks including lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Willingness to work unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 environment.
• Able to work 12 hour shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Capable of reporting within a two hour call window after rest.
• Sharp attention to detail and strong multitasking skills.
• Clear and concise radio/communication abilities.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must understand safety instructions and operating rules in English.
• Age 18+ with a high school diploma or GED and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Work in train or yard service based on seniority.
• Follow instructions for routes and movements of trains.
• Coordinate car switching, including coupling/uncoupling.
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals affecting movement.
• Signal crew using signals or radio for engine movements.
• Follow GCOR and other general orders and bulletins.
• Provide flag protection and relay signals in emergencies.
• Move on/off moving or stationary equipment.
• Fill out train orders and switch lists; prepare clear reports.
• Handle emergencies and use fire extinguishers; apply first aid if needed.

Skills

Physical stamina

Shift work readiness

Communication

English proficiency

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

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 January 2027.

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.

Joining CPKC as a conductor can lead to career growth as a Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer or management.

Wondering if the conductor role is right for you? Complete this Realistic Job Preview to see if you would be a good fit for the Conductor lifestyle. Watch this video to hear an employee’s perspective on what it takes to be a CPKC Conductor.

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. During classroom training you will earn $29.71 (non-service rate) per hour. On-the-job training you will earn $38.84 (service rate) per hour. Once qualified as a conductor, you will earn $46.34 per hour or $43.16 if working as a brakeman or road switchman. In the event of any discrepancy between the listed rates and the provisions of the labor agreement, the terms and conditions outlined in the labor agreement shall govern.

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: 106612
• Department: Operations Southern Region
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 80-90%
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Available to: Internal & External