Train Conductor

CPKC • Saratoga Springs, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Train Conductor is a foundational, union-covered railway role. As a member of a train crew, the conductor assists with switching rail cars, assembling or separating trains in rail yards, and moving rail cars between rail yards. The role requires vigilance about personal and crew safety and the ability to work unscheduled shifts, spend extended periods away from home, and work outdoors in all types of weather. Conductors may work in train or yard service depending on seniority. CPKC offers 15 weeks of paid classroom and field training, with opportunities for advancement to Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer, or management. The position is based in Saratoga Springs, New York, and involves 80–90% travel.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or general equivalency.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid U.S. passport, passcard, or enhanced driver’s license allowing entry to and re-entry from Canada.
• Able to perform physically demanding work, including walking up to 6 miles per day on uneven ground, climbing, and occasionally lifting and pulling objects weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Willingness to work unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 operating environment, including shifts up to 12 hours on days, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to report to work within a three-hour call window after scheduled rest.
• Strong focus, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
• Strong communication skills, including providing clear and concise instructions over the radio.
• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods in all types of weather.
• Able to pass required physical job tasks and written examinations, and read and understand safety instructions, operating rules and regulations, and other written or printed material in English.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical assessment, including physical, vision, and hearing evaluations, and a negative company or regulated drug test.
• Subject to post-hire qualification drug testing.
• Successful background investigation, including criminal history, education, driver’s license and driving history, passport, Social Security Number, and Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 form verification.

Responsibilities

• Work in train or yard service depending on seniority.
• Carry out instructions detailing a train’s route and specific movements.
• Coordinate rail-car switching, including coupling and uncoupling cars and lifting out coupling devices.
• Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting train movement.
• Signal crew members regarding engine or train movement using designated signals or radio, including instructions to start, stop, back up, and set or release air brakes.
• Understand and follow the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), general orders, and bulletins.
• Provide flag protection and relay signals to trains in emergency situations.
• Move on and off moving or stationary equipment.
• Complete forms, including train orders and switch lists, and prepare clear, legible reports.
• Handle emergency situations, operate fire extinguishers, and apply first-aid techniques.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits package.
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans.
• Employee share purchase plan.
• Annual fitness subsidy.
• Part-time studies program.
• 15 weeks of paid classroom and field training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED