Signals & Communications Apprentice- FR

About the Role

The Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) is responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining various signals and communications systems and apparatuses, including railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nights
• Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfaces
• Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations
• Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements
• Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations
• Able to perform repetitive physical activities
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally
• Must be available to work away from home in isolated locations

Major Responsibilities

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus, including automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systems
• Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipment
• Perform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards
• Use a wide variety of hand tools, bonding rail, and testing signal plans, including on track high-rail equipment and test instruments to bury cable and wire equipment
• Ensure a safe working environment by following CN's safety policies and procedures

Requirements

• Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Successful completion of CN's apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the field
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Collaborates and maintains positive interactions with others
• Ability to work independently, well organized, and maintain schedules
• Ability to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles
• Ability to follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awareness
• Capable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processes
• Ability to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Meet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfaction
• Hand-eye coordination
• Good climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules
• Basic computer knowledge

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor's Degree, or a 2- or 3-year College level program in Electronics, Engineering or other related field such as Physics or Mathematics

Pay

Qualified Rate: $30.92 Per hour. Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
• Paid Training and Career Development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 24/7 Telemedicine Service
• Employee Share Investment Plan
• Educational Financial Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Extensive Employee Discount Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)

Schedule

• S&C Apprentices will receive 4 weeks classroom paid training sessions at 40 hours per week at the CN Campus (Homewood, IL) during the one-year apprentice training program
• The training is primarily on health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, testing and maintenance procedures, and equipment familiarization
• Successful completion of the classroom training is mandatory to work as a Signal Maintainer
• Once qualified, the role is subject to promotion as a Signals and Communications Maintainer and protect seniority as vacancies arise
• Paid Training Structure: 4 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks), 4 x2-week training at CN Campus, 1+ year to become qualified S&C Maintainer