Train Conductor

About the role

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 apply first aid techniques

Requirements

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work 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 required physical job tasks, written examinations, read and understand safety instructions, 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

Training Program

CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid in-class and field training. You will earn $237.67 per day in classroom training and $38.84 per hour in on-the-job training. The average conductor earns approximately $117,000 annually, with the ability to make up to $133,000.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Medical and drug testing (this is a safety-critical position; successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company and/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)

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Annual fitness subsidy
• Part-time studies program

Pay

The average conductor earns approximately $117,000 annually, with the ability to make up to $133,000.

Schedule

• Unscheduled shift work in a 24/7 operating environment
• Up to 12-hour shifts including days, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays
• 80-90% travel required

Location: Ottumwa, Iowa. This is a full-time, union position available to internal and external candidates for January 2027 hiring.