Qualified Rate : $53.61 Per hour
Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.
If you enjoy working outdoors in a safety-focused environment, a rewarding career as a Train Conductor might be right for you! With a dynamic 24/7 schedule, no two days working look alike. You can expect exciting challenges, paid training, and supportive colleagues who share your passion for motion. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!
The Train Conductor acts 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 completes 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).
- 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 required.
- Push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and assist in the infrequent movement of weights of up to 83 pounds
- Primarily work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions
- Operating various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as an uncoupling levers and handbrakes
- Climb on and off ladders of rail cars
- Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train
- Walk for frequent extended periods, sometimes on uneven surfaces
- Bend, stoop, squat and kneel frequently
- Ensuring compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations related to safety, operation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Providing and receiving various forms of oral and printed communication 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 relaying signals concerning train and engine movement
- Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes
- Inspect the condition of a train and equipment
- Preparing necessary forms and reports
- Conductors may also be required to travel and may be away from home for more than one night at a time.
- Follow company safety procedures, use common sense, and maintain an overall level of safety awareness when operating in the work environment
- Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations
- Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control center, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Valid driver’s license
- High School Diploma or equivalence
- Meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position
- Proficiency in both oral and written communications (English)
- Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory/safety environment
- Knowledge of signals or Railroad Operating Rules
- Post-secondary education
- Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stressful situations.
- Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others.
- Conform to operating rules and safety procedures and maintain a high level of safety awareness in the work environment, both for themselves and their colleagues.
- Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
- Paid Training and Career Development
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- 24/7 Telemedicine Service
- Employee Share Investment Plan
- Educational Financial Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Newly hired CN Conductors participate in a comprehensive paid training program at the CN Campus ( Homewood , IL ) . Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while at Campus are covered by CN.
Successful completion of the entire training program, including written exams, physical assessments, and field training, is required to work as a CN Conductor.
Successful Candidate Process:
- Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision)
- Criminal background check
- Offer Letter
Paid Training Structure:
- 4 weeks at CN’s Campus (Classroom training)
- 4 weeks at a CN Home Terminal (working on-site with training team)
- 3 weeks at Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
- 45+ trips to qualify as a conductor (supervised train trips)
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. 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. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
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 often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet 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 get in touch with our team at [email protected].
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates 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.
Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.
