Trainpersons (Conductors) work as a member of a train crew, traveling to various locations with the train. Railway persons are members of yard crews, involved with switching cars, making or splitting up trains in yards, or moving cars between yards, sidings or tracks. They may work in either train or yard service depending on their seniority. This entry level, union position can lead to advancement as a yard foreperson, locomotive engineer, or management positions.
Duties
- Operate switches, coupling cars and control braking
- Conduct train inspections
- Give and receive signals
- Oversee safe movement of trains
Lifestyle
- Unionized environment
- Spareboard Assignment
- Work on a 2-hour call (2 hours’ notice to go to work)
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Heavy physical work – must be fit and mentally alert at all time
Position Requirements
- Must be prepared to work weekends and shifts - 7 days a week/24 hours a day environment
- Work may require extended time away from home
- Must have good spatial ability with regard to a sense of layout and space, together with an ability to judge speed and/or distance of moving objects
- Paid training is provided
- Must be able to pass the required examinations, read and understand safety instructions, books of rules, instructions and regulations, timetables, bulletins, waybills, placards, and other written or printed material
- Able to take action and make decisions affecting the well-being of others
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to operate as a contributing member of a team
- May be required to relocate within Seniority District
Training
- Approximately 22 weeks—Classroom and Field Placement
- Multiple written exams during the 22 week training program
- Training schedule is 7 days per week including statutory holidays
Additional Information
- To understand the detail hiring process for this position please click here
- Canadian Pacific partners with Railway Training Programs across North America. To learn more about these programs please click here.