Train Conductor

CPKC•Kansas City, MO

19h•Onsite

About The Position

CPKC is hiring Train Conductors for January 2027. This foundational, unionized railway role works as part of a train crew to switch rail cars, make up or split up trains in rail yards, and move rail cars between rail yards. Conductors may work in train or yard service depending on seniority and must prioritize the safety of themselves and others. The role involves unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 operating environment, working outdoors in all types of weather, and being away from home for extended periods. It offers potential career growth into roles such as Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer, or management. CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid classroom and field training in safety practices, rules, and operations. Training pay is $29.71 per hour during classroom instruction and $38.84 per hour during on-the-job training. Once qualified, conductors earn $46.34 per hour, or $43.16 per hour when working as a brakeman or road switchman. Labor agreement terms govern in the event of discrepancies in listed rates.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or general equivalency credential.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including walking up to 6 miles per day on uneven ground, climbing, and lifting or pulling objects up to 80 pounds on occasion.
Willingness to work unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 operating environment, including shifts of up to 12 hours across days, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to report to work within a two-hour call window after scheduled rest.
Excellent focus, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
Strong communication skills, including providing clear and concise instructions over the radio.
Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather for long periods.
Ability to pass required physical job tasks and written examinations, and to read and understand safety instructions, operating rules and regulations, and other written or printed material in English.
Successful pre-employment medical assessment, including physical, vision, and hearing assessments, and a negative company and/or regulated drug test; post-hire qualification drug testing may also be required.
Successful background investigation, including criminal history, education, driver's license and driving history, Social Security Number, and Department of Transportation background checks.

Responsibilities

Work in train or yard service depending on seniority.
Carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and movements.
Coordinate switching cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars and lifting out coupling devices.
Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting train movement.
Signal crew members about engine or train movements using prescribed signals or radio, including when 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.