Track Maintenance Foreman

Enjoying physical labour and working outdoors as well as being safety-minded are vital to a career in rail operations at CN. If you like being part of a team and working in different locations every day, a rewarding career in track maintenance will appeal to you. Working on a crew, you’ll be part of an ever-changing, safety-first work environment that ensures our infrastructure is safe, sound and train-ready. At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Track Maintenance Foremen is responsible for the maintenance of track components. The position leads crews to ensure that fixtures on the railroad work properly. The incumbent participates in inspecting, repairing, and replacing rails, ties, switches, and ballast.

Major Responsibilities

Inspect and maintain track structure and right-of-way to CN’s specifications

Supervise and develop track forces to ensure quality maintenance and safe work performance

Inspect track work on completion and approve track for service

Maintain train operating restrictions in alignment with track standards

Implement safety directives

Assist in the development of safety programs and goals

Remove and replace defective ties, rails spikes, and anchors

Correct deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge

Install and repair street and railroad crossings

Assist in the replacement and repair of items such as power-operated switches and insulated joints

Help to unload ballast as well as unload and distribute track material

Sort used track material for loading, which may be loaded by hand

Clear brush, vegetation, snow, and litter from railroad right-of-way

Establish and maintain drainage

Clean up after work completion

Comply with track safety standards, Operating Rules, and Safe work procedures

Complete work, material inventory, and inspections reports

Working Conditions

Must be available to work shifts, away from home on various work cycles, and occasional overtime

Ability to work outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions, involving physical work

Must be able to perform repetitive physical activities

Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds (22 kg) frequently and up to 70 pounds (32 kg) occasionally

Must have good eye-hand coordination and grasping

Requirements

Foreman or supervisory experience

Experience in similar working conditions

High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)

Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)

Collaborates with others and shares information

Communicates with impact

Sets direction and inspires others

Leads by example for the safety and security of all

Considers ESG principles in all operations

Welding skills*

Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules*

Any experience/education/skills/knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset

Training

Upon hiring, the position attends formal and on-the-job training. The incumbent is required to complete the training program successfully. The position receives classroom training over a period of 4 weeks at 40 hours per week. The training is primarily on health and safety rules and basic machine operator procedures. Successful completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is mandatory to continue employment.

This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at

As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.