Machine Operator

Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) are now CPKC. As the only truly North American railway, we are making big moves! Drawing on our strong foundations and heritage, CPKC moves essential goods across our 20,000-mile network to support economic growth throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Be a part of history as we connect a continent and create exciting career opportunities across our new transnational network. Visit cpkcr.com to learn about the CPKC advantage, our purpose and culture.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

This position will work as part of the section gang to lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. This work includes using ballast cleaning Machine Operators and railroad bed tamping Machine Operators.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts
• Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws
• Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together
• Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels
• Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment
• Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills
• Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement
• Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks
• Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes
• Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties
• Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges
• Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders
• Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported
• Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails
• Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders
• Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications
• Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks
• Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails
• Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained
• Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved
• Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications
• String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
• Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering
• Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails
• Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings
• Available to work a 40 hour work week subject to overtime, on-call and alternate shifts that may include weeknights, weekends and holidays

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• 21 years of age or older
• Valid Class B CDL with an acceptable driving record
• High School diploma or GED required
• Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license
• Available to work system-wide, extended and frequent travel required
• Able to work in a team environment and possess verbal and written communication skills sufficient to coordinate work and relate track conditions to co-workers, typically via telephone and radio
• Manual labor experience in an outdoor environment required
• Prior railroad experience preferred
• Must have requisite color vision acuity
• Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling
• Able to work in conditions that include loud noise and fumes, work on and around heavy and moving machinery, bend, lift, work, walk, stand and sit in confined spaces for extended periods of time and use hand and power tools
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear the required personal protective equipment required for the job in a safe manner

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Employer Funded Retirement Plan
• Annual Fitness Subsidy
• Part-time Studies Program

Medical Requirements:
CPKC is committed to the safety and health of its employees and the general public.  This position is a safety critical position; all new hires will be required to complete a pre-employment medical that includes a physical, vision, hearing, alcohol, and drug audit assessments. Qualification drug test(s) are also required.

Background Investigation:

The successful candidate will need to successfully complete the following clearances:         

• Criminal history check
• Driver's License Verification
• Last 3 years of driving history
• Last 7 years of employment history; includes military service
• Social Security number verification

CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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