Track Testing Specialist

Ontario Northland•Cochrane, ON

6d•CA$100,412 - CA$118,144•Onsite

About The Position

The Track Testing Specialist is responsible for providing centralized leadership, coordination, and oversight of Ontario Northland’s track testing and infrastructure condition monitoring programs. The position ensures that all regulatory and cyclical testing activities, including track geometry testing, ultrasonic rail flaw detection, optical inspections, and other infrastructure assessment programs, are effectively planned, coordinated, documented, analyzed, and reported. The role supports the safe and reliable operation of Ontario Northland’s rail network by monitoring infrastructure conditions, identifying defects, coordinating corrective actions, and providing data-driven recommendations to support maintenance planning and operational decision-making.

Requirements

Post-Secondary diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Railway Engineering, Transportation or related discipline
Minimum 5 years’ experience in railway track maintenance, infrastructure management, track inspection, testing programs or related railway operations environment
Working knowledge of Transport Canada Track Safety Rules and applicable railway regulations
Strong knowledge of railway infrastructure maintenance practices and asset management principles.
Extensive knowledge of railway track maintenance, inspection, and testing practices.
Sound knowledge of track geometry testing, ultrasonic rail flaw detection, and infrastructure condition monitoring programs
Ability to coordinate and manage infrastructure inspection, large-scale testing, or condition monitoring programs
Proficient in interpreting technical specifications, standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Experience analyzing technical data and developing recommendations to support maintenance planning and operational decision-making.
Understanding of railway maintenance planning and asset lifecycle management principles.
Demonstrated experience using computerized maintenance management systems, enterprise asset management systems (EAM), or similar operational software
Experience participating in audits, inspections, and corrective action management processes.
Proficient in preparing reports, maintaining records, and managing documentation related to operational or infrastructure activities.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects, contractors, schedules, and competing priorities in a safety-sensitive environment.
Experience working collaboratively with operational managers, supervisors, employees, contractors, and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage budgets, contracts, or service agreements.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
Valid Class G driver’s license with the ability to travel throughout the ONTC rail network
Railway safety training and qualification programs relevant to track infrastructure operations
Commitment to Health and Safety

Nice To Haves

Training or certification in railway track inspection and maintenance practices is considered an asset.
Experience working within a federally regulated railway environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and oversee annual and cyclical track testing programs across the railway network.
Oversee the operation, utilization, and maintenance requirements of the ONT300 test car.
Schedule and manage track geometry testing, ultrasonic rail testing, optical inspections, ballast inspections, tie inspections, and other infrastructure assessment programs.
Coordinate testing activities to ensure completion within required timelines and operational windows.
Ensure testing activities meet applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Monitor testing schedules and ensure follow-up activities are completed.
Provide guidance and support regarding testing requirements and infrastructure condition information.
Ensure testing documentation is complete, accurate, and readily accessible.
Support audit readiness and regulatory reporting requirements.
Monitor asset condition information to support maintenance planning and prioritization.
Manage and maintain testing records, databases, and infrastructure condition information.
Analyze testing results and identify trends, deficiencies, and emerging infrastructure risks.
Prepare reports, summaries, and recommendations for operational managers and senior leadership.
Communicate testing results, schedules, and operational impacts to affected groups.
Develop scopes of work and assist with procurement requirements.
Coordinate external testing contractors and service providers.
Monitor contractor performance, deliverables, and testing quality.
Coordinate access, logistics, scheduling, and support resources required for testing activities.
Review contractor reports and ensure deficiencies are appropriately addressed.
Participate in planning meetings and provide technical support related to testing programs.
Support budget development and forecasting for testing programs and contracted services.
Approve and process invoices related to Track Testing.