Yardmaster

CPKC; Bensenville (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Pension plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Fitness subsidy

Job summary

CPKC is seeking a Yardmaster in the United States, based in Bensenville, IL, to coordinate daily terminal operations and oversee railcar processing with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities include managing switch crews, coordinating train movements, and maintaining yard records, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and bargaining agreements. Candidates should have strong communication skills and flexibility for rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Railway experience with Conductor/Engineer certification preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure and communicate well.
• Proficiency in Excel and leading in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of bargaining agreements used in yard operations.
• Flexible with rotating shifts (days/nights/weekends).

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute railcar processing and classification through hump and operations.
• Communicate with other railroads to obtain clearance to operate over tracks in a prompt and safe manner.
• Comply with all federal rules and regulations.
• Directly manage multiple switch crews, assemble trains and coordinate safe movements in yard.
• Maintain records pertaining to yard operations.

Skills

Ability to work under pressure

Strong communication skills

Excel proficiency

Team leadership

Safety and compliance awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Conductor/Engineer Certification preferred

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.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of the Yardmaster position is to coordinate and oversee daily operational activities in the terminal

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Plan and execute railcar processing and classification through hump and operations
• Communicate with other railroads to obtain clearance to operate over tracks in a prompt and safe manner
• Comply with all federal rules and regulations
• Directly manager multiple switch crews, make up train builds and coordinate safe train movements within yard
• Maintain records pertaining to yard operations

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Previous railway experience (Conductor/Engineer Certification preferred)
• Ability to work under pressure and communicate well with others
• Excel and lead in a fast paced, demanding environment
• Knowledge of bargaining agreements used within the operation on the yard
• Must be flexible with scheduling (Rotating shifts that can require days/nights/weekends)

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

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 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 provide, 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: 106521
• Department: Operations Southern Region
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Union
• Location: Bensenville, Illinois
• Country: United States
• % of Travel: 60-70%
• # of Positions: 1
• Compensation Rate: $48.08
• Job Available to: Internal & External