What are the responsibilities and job description for the Train Conductor (Michigan) position at Canadian National Railway?
Job Description
The Train Conductor is responsible for acting as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and execute any ground work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars, and making emergency repairs).Working Conditions
Experience
Competencies
*Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset*Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset
The incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 7 weeks (5 weeks classroom and 2 weeks field training) at CN's Campus Homewood, IL. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Homewood are covered. After these initial 7 weeks, the incumbent completes between 60 and 100 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreementChef de train - États-UnisThe incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 7 weeks (5 weeks classroom and 2 weeks field training) at CN's Campus Homewood, IL. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Homewood are covered. After these initial 7 weeks, the incumbent completes between 60 and 100 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
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Train Conductor (Michigan)
Req Id: 1204
Job Location: Battle Creek - MI, Pontiac - MI
Business Unit: Operations
Highest Level Division: Transportation & Network Ops
Posting Start Date: 11/5/26
Posting End Date: 11/09/2026 11:59 PM CST
French/English Bilingual Requirement: No
Qualified Rate: $41.34 Per hour
Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.
If you enjoy hands-on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety-first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people.
Join us today and get your career moving!
Job Summary
The Train Conductor is responsible for acting as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and execute any ground work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars, and making emergency repairs).
Main Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad rules and regulations related to safety and operations
- Provide and receive various forms of oral and printed instructions concerning the movement and placement of rail cars
- Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard, and pick up and set off rail cars on-route
- Observe, interpret, and relay signals to ensure safe train and locomotive movement
- Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes
- Inspect the condition of a train and equipment
- Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations
- Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control centre, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio
Working Conditions
- Work a flexible schedule with regular and predictable attendance, in line with the 24/7 railroading environment
- Available to work night shifts, weekends, holiday work hours, some overtime and being away from home for extended periods of time when necessary
- Push, pull, lift and carry up to 90 pounds
- Primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
- Operate various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as uncoupling levers and handbrakes
- Climb on and off ladders
- Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train
- Walk for frequent extended periods
- Bend, stoop, squat, and kneel frequently
- Meet medical fitness requirements for the position, including those established by the Federal Railroad Administration, such as the ability to recognize and distinguish between the colors of signals
Experience
- Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment*
- Completion of College or Vocational or Technical school or Freight Conductor experience*
- High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- Write and pass safety and rules exams (as per collective agreement, subsequent mandatory Locomotive Engineer qualification to retain seniority and employment)
- Obtain and maintain Conductors Rule Card
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license
- Possess and maintain a passport allowing entry and re-entry to the Canada and the United States (in certain specific locations)
- Proficiency in both oral and written communications
Education/Certification/Designation
Competencies
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- We Lead Responsibly
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- We Lead Responsibly
Technical Skills/Knowledge
*Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset*Any experience and/or education for these above would be considered as an asset
Additional Information (If Any)
The incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 7 weeks (5 weeks classroom and 2 weeks field training) at CN's Campus Homewood, IL. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Homewood are covered. After these initial 7 weeks, the incumbent completes between 60 and 100 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreementChef de train - États-UnisThe incumbent participates in an intensive paid training program that includes 7 weeks (5 weeks classroom and 2 weeks field training) at CN's Campus Homewood, IL. Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while in Homewood are covered. After these initial 7 weeks, the incumbent completes between 60 and 100 trips as an extra person on a crew to enhance their knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the entire training program is mandatory in order to work as a conductor, and includes written exams and field training (including physical requirements).This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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