The Technical Trainer of Safety is responsible for delivering instructor-led virtual and in-person training for railway operating employees across North America. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!
Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3 largest locomotive fleet in Canada and growing!
Cando Advantages
- Work Life Balance
- Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs
- Award Winning Safety Culture
- Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances
- Health & Dental Benefits including voluntary options
- Expanding in the US and we welcome you to come grow with us!
Job Description
The Technical Trainer of Safety is responsible for delivering instructor-led virtual and in-person training for railway operating employees across North America. This position supports adult education, instructional design, and standardized program delivery through clear, consistent instruction on railway operating rules, safe work procedures, train, and yard movement practices, switching operations, communications, track protection, and operational best practices. This role may be performed remotely from home; however, preference will be given to candidates based in or near Houston, TX or Salt Lake City, UT to support operational alignment, travel needs, and proximity to key railway locations. The Technical Trainer of Safety contributes to workforce competence through effective training, proficiency evaluation, regulatory alignment, and ongoing qualification support for safety-related railway employees.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Deliver instructor-led virtual and in-person training sessions covering operating rules, safe work procedures, and operational best practices.
- Teach and support company-specific operating rules, including rules influenced by Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) and industrial rulebooks aligned with the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
- Provide instruction on rail-specific operating practices including train and yard movements, switching, radio communication, signal awareness, track authority, protection of employees and equipment, and job briefing expectations.
- Evaluate employee proficiency and support qualification, re-qualification, and corrective training as required.
- Support qualification programs for safety-related railway employees by documenting training completion, evaluating rule knowledge, and identifying employees requiring refresher or corrective instruction.
- Develop, update, and maintain clear and accurate training materials, assessments, and supporting documents for virtual and in-person delivery.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, rulebook changes, and industry best practices.
- Monitor regulatory and industry expectations related to railway employee training, qualification, operating rules compliance, and safety-critical performance.
- Create, revise, and maintain company operating rulebooks, including developing new rules and updating existing procedures as needed.
- Support the continued development and improvement of on-the-job training programs and related learning materials.
- Support continuous improvement of training programs, documentation, and instructional materials.
- Ensure consistency between instructor-led content, e-learning content, and mentorship material.
- Collaborate with operations leaders to identify training needs, address knowledge gaps, and provide rule-related guidance.
- Partner with field operations, supervisors, and subject matter experts to ensure training reflects current terminal, yard, industrial switching, and mainline operating environments.
- Perform operational support tasks between training sessions, including rulebook updates, procedure improvements, eLearning development, and documentation work.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of railway operations, rules, and safe work procedures.
- Working knowledge of train and yard operations, switching practices, movement authorities, signals, radio procedures, job briefings, and track protection concepts.
- Ability to effectively deliver clear, structured instruction in both virtual and in-person environments.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and mentoring skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in training materials and evaluations.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple training sessions and priorities.
- Comfortable learning and using digital platforms and tools required for training delivery.
- Willingness to learn software tools critical for training development and delivery, including Microsoft 365, Articulate Storyline 360, Articulate Rise 360, and related tools.
- High level of attention to detail and a commitment to producing clear, accurate, and effective training materials.
- Practical understanding of railway field operations gained through direct operational experience.
- Ability to translate complex railway rules and field procedures into practical, scenario-based learning activities for employees with varying levels of operational experience.
- Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently when required.
Education and Experience
- Minimum five (5) to seven (7) years of railway operations experience in the United States and/or Canada, including demonstrated knowledge of rules application, safe work procedures, field operations, and safety-critical railway practices.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience delivering training, rules instruction, or employee skill assessment.
- Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) for Canada or General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) for the United States knowledge/experience required.
- Experience supporting railway employee qualification, re-qualification, rule compliance, or safety-related training oversight is preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Able to travel, including internationally.
- Availability to work remotely from a home office, with preference for candidates located in or near Houston, TX or Salt Lake City, UT.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a safety-critical medical as per company and regulatory standards.
- Experience designing or updating training programs, learning content, or instructional materials is an asset.
- Operational experience in freight, industrial, terminal, yard, or short line railway environments is considered an asset.
Note: This description outlines the core expectations and responsibilities of the Technical Trainer of Safety role. It is not intended to limit the assignment of additional duties or be considered an exhaustive list. It provides clarity on the level of experience, expertise, and capability required for successful performance in this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
