Position Summary
The Rail Team Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Rail Team, including the Torch Operator and AZ Operator, while working on or alongside active rail lines and at designated rail sites.
The Rail Team Lead is also responsible for maintaining a strong focus on team safety, monitoring rail traffic, communicating train movements to the team, and ensuring the team is able to safely clear the rail line within the required time and distance when a train is approaching.
This position requires an individual who is highly detail-oriented, safety-focused, observant, and able to make sound decisions in a time-sensitive work environment. The Rail Team Lead will also support the team with documentation, field observations, minor repairs, and welding activities when the team is not actively working on the rail.
What you’re responsible for:
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the Rail Team, including the Torch Operator and AZ Operator.
- Provide direction to team members to ensure work is completed efficiently and according to job requirements.
- Maintain awareness of the team's location, activities, and progress throughout the workday.
- Ensure team members understand and follow established rail-site procedures.
- Maintain a strong focus on the safety and well-being of all team members.
- Communicate effectively with team members and other personnel working in the area.
Rail Traffic Monitoring & Team Safety
- Continuously monitor the radio for information regarding approaching trains and rail traffic.
- Listen for and communicate train movements and other relevant rail information to the team.
- Ensure the team is aware of approaching trains and has sufficient time to safely clear the rail.
- Direct the team to move off the rail and to a designated safe distance when required.
- Exercise sound judgment when determining when work must stop and the team must clear the rail.
- Maintain constant awareness of the team's location relative to the rail, surrounding environment, and approaching rail traffic.
- Communicate clearly and promptly with the team during time-sensitive situations.
- Call out mile markers to the team as the work progresses along the rail.
- Maintain accurate awareness of the team's location and progress.
- Ensure field notes and location information are recorded accurately.
Field Support & Documentation
- Drive alongside the rail team as required to monitor operations and support the team's activities.
- Record detailed notes regarding work completed, locations, material, equipment, and other relevant job information.
- Maintain accurate documentation throughout the workday.
- Monitor the progress of the work and communicate any issues or changes to the appropriate personnel.
- Assist with coordinating equipment and resources as required.
Mechanical Repairs & Welding
- Assist with minor repairs and maintenance while the team is waiting for trains to pass or when rail work is temporarily paused.
- Perform basic welding and fabrication work as required.
- Assist with maintaining and repairing equipment used by the Rail Team.
- Support the team with general maintenance and repair activities when not actively performing rail work.
- During periods when the team is not actively working on the rail or when rail operations are paused, perform assigned work within company yards.
To join our team:
- Previous experience working in a rail, industrial, construction, or similar environment is considered an asset.
- Previous leadership or team lead experience is preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on repair skills.
- Welding experience is considered an asset.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately record information.
- Excellent communication and ability to provide clear direction to team members.
- Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods.
- Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize changing conditions.
- Ability to make timely decisions in a safety-sensitive environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also taking responsibility for coordinating team activities.
- Valid driver's licence and ability to operate a vehicle as required.
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and job-site conditions.
Work Schedule & Conditions
- Schedule: 8 days on / 6 days off.
- Daily working hours will vary based on the requirements and operating windows permitted by CP.
- Work may involve extended periods outdoors and exposure to varying weather conditions.
- Work will take place along active rail lines, at rail sites, and in company yards.
- The position requires the ability to remain attentive and alert while monitoring rail traffic and team activities.
- During periods when rail work is not being performed, employees will be assigned work within the yards or other operational areas as required.