Officer, Rail Grinding (Vancouver)

Job Summary The Officer, Rail Grinding is responsible for leading CNs Grinding Operations on assigned grinding units networkwide. The role oversees the work of internal team members as well as contractors operating rail grinding equipment, water trucks, fire suppression equipment and post grinding patrols. The incumbent conducts pre‑grinding surveys with local track forces or contractors, provides track protection for all grinding and post grinding operations. Moreover, the position engages with multiple levels within the organization to ensure secure and efficient operation of grinding trains.

Main Responsibilities

• Safety Lead grinding operations in accordance with safe work procedures, Transport Canada guidelines, and CN standards, policies, and regulations
• Ensure consistent protection of team members on CN right‑of‑way
• Evaluate fire hazards and ensure all employees and contractors work according to conditions on a continual basis
• Audit and assess work procedures, identify potential issues, and require remediation when needed
• Comply with Company safety initiatives and safety plan targets
• Lead people with clear direction and goals while providing coaching and guidance to employees and contractors through regular performance monitoring
• Plan daily and short‑term work to be conducted, including but not limited to work block coordination, grinding surveys, and post patrol inspections
• Communicate daily plan and work cycle plans with local supervisors impacted by grinding operations in advance
• Communicate with the Rail Traffic Control Center and Transportation to plan daily activities
• Plan for changing work conditions
• Evaluate team performance and ensure compliance with contract policies and procedures
• Ensure successful weekly hand‑off of machines and grinding plans
• Participate in activities related to disruptions in service

Administrative Responsibilities

• Review daily work sheets to ensure alignment with CN and contractor policies and procedures
• Approve invoicing to ensure compliance with CNs Accounting practices and vendor contracts
• Review and support work to continually improve policies, procedures, guidelines, and playbooks

Working Conditions

The role is primarily performed on a track unit and outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The position is subject to changing shift times based on business needs. It requires extensive travel (100%) to field sites across CNs network in Canada and the overnight accommodation may be in a mobile unit on the grinding unit. The incumbent spends a significant amount of travel time away from home and must be available to work nights. The role requires being on‑call 24/7 to respond to critical incidents and emergencies.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of railroad maintenance experience
• Experience obtaining and providing track protection
• Experience in railroad operations such as production gangs, maintenance, track protection, or train crews
• Experience handling multiple priorities within demanding time constraints
• Experience adapting to rapidly changing circumstances and situations
• Experience as an Engineering Foreman or Conductor
• Any experience for these above would be considered an asset

Education / Certification / Designation

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Canadian Railroad Operating Rules (CROR) or the United States Operating Rules/On‑Track Safety (USOR/OTS) qualification
• Ability to obtain Qualification Standards Operating Crews (QSOC) within one year
• Ability to obtain Track Inspection Guidelines (TIG) qualification within one year

Competencies

• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action
• Demonstrates active listening
• Identifies needs and solves problems to create value for all stakeholders
• Develops self and others
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Demonstrates agility and drives change

Technical Skills / Knowledge

• Knowledge of safe operating practices, regulatory rules, environmental and safety regulations
• Understanding of track inspection
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with eTop and ETAV
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered an asset