Train Conductor

Job Summary

The Train Conductor is responsible for acting as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and executes any ground work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars and making emergency repairs).

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad rules and regulations related to safety and operations
• Provide and receive various forms of oral and printed instructions concerning the movement and placement of rail cars
• Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard, and pick up and set off rail cars on-route
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals to ensure safe train and locomotive movement
• Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes
• Inspect the condition of a train and equipment
• Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations
• Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control centre, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio

Working Conditions

• Work a flexible schedule with regular and predictable attendance, in line with the 24/7 railroading environment
• Available to work night shifts, weekends, holiday work hours, some overtime and being away from home for extended periods of time when necessary
• Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 pounds
• Primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Operate various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes
• Climb on and off ladders of moving rail cars
• Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train
• Walk for frequent extended periods
• Bend, stoop, squat, and kneel frequently
• Meet medical fitness requirements for the position, including those established by the Railway Association of Canada, such as the ability to recognize and distinguish between the colours of signals

Experience

• Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment*

Education/Certification/Designation

• Completion of College or Vocational or Technical School or Freight Conductor experience*
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• We Lead Responsibly

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per collective agreement, subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment)
• Obtain and maintain Conductors Rule Card
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's licence
• Possess and maintain a passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (in certain specific locations)
• Proficiency in both oral and written communications
• Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset

Additional Information (If Any)

The incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 11 weeks (7 weeks classroom and 4 weeks field training) at CN's Campus in Winnipeg, MB. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Winnipeg are covered. After these initial 11 weeks, the incumbent completes a minimum of 45 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.