Job Description
Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.
Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.
CPKC is hiring for November 2025.
$5,000 signing bonus for new hires.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The conductor position is a foundational role in the railway and operates within the framework of the union agreement. A conductor works as a member of a train crew that assists in switching rail cars, making or splitting up trains in rail yards, or moving rail cars between rail yards. This position requires you to be vigilant about the safety of yourself and those around you. You must be prepared for unscheduled shift work, being away from home for extended periods of time and working outdoors in all types of weather.
Joining CPKC as a conductor can lead to career growth as a Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer or management.
Wondering if the conductor role is right for you? Complete this Realistic Job Preview to see if you would be a good fit for the Conductor lifestyle. Watch this video to hear an employee’s perspective on what it takes to be a CPKC Conductor.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to perform work that can be physically demanding such as walking up to 6 miles a day on uneven ground, climbing up and down and lifting and pulling heavy objects (up to 80 pounds on occasion)
Willingness to work unscheduled shift work in a 24/7 operating environment
Working up to 12 hour shifts which include 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 (provide clear and concise instructions/directions including over radio)
Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions for long periods of time
Must be able to pass the required physical job tasks for the job position, written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, read and understand operating rules and regulations and other written or printed material in English
Must be at least 18 years old
High school diploma or general equivalency
Valid driver’s license
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Work in either train or yard service depending on seniority
Carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and specific movements
Coordinate the switching of cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars and lifting out coupling device
Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting movement of train
Signal crew members for movement of the engine or train using specific signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, back-up, set or release air brakes
Maintain a thorough understanding of and follow General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), general orders and bulletins
Provide flag protection and relay signals to trains in an emergency situation
Move on and off moving or stationary equipment
Fill out forms including train orders and switch lists and prepare clear and legible reports
Handle emergency situations and operate fire extinguishers as well as be able to apply first aid techniques
WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:
Flexible and competitive benefits package
Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
Employee share purchase plan
Annual fitness subsidy
Part-time studies program
TRAINING PROGRAM:
CPKC provides 16 weeks of paid in-class and field training. Providing you with a solid understanding of our safety practices, rules and operations. You will earn $261.72 per day in classroom training and $42.90 per hour in on-the-job training. The average conductor earns approximately $120,000 annually, with the ability to make up to $139,000.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Medical and Drug Testing
This is a safety critical position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.
Background Investigation
Criminal history check
Education verification
Driver’s license verification and driving history
Social Security Number verification
Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 form
CULTURE OF INCLUSION:
For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Req ID: 104716
Department: Operations Southern Region
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Type: Union
Location: Portage, Wisconsin
Country: United States
% of Travel: 80-90%
# of Positions: 3
Job Available to: Internal & External
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Part time, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift,