Job Description
The Yard Coordinator is responsible for overseeing operations of a rail yard. This includes assigning duties to train crews, giving train crews direction on switching inbound and outbound traffic in accordance with the operating plan and ensuring cars are pulled and placed in the appropriate locations. The position oversees the arrival and departure of cars in their rail yard in a timely fashion. Moreover, the incumbent works closely with the Transportation Manager to supervise the safe and efficient movement of trains.
*Any experience/education/skills/knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset
The Yard Coordinator attends training of USOR in Homewood, IL or a designated location close to their assigned yard. The training relating to terminal operations is done on the job and facilitated by current Yard Coordinators, Transportation Managers, and Assistant Superintendents.This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
Yard Coordinator
Req Id:
1202
Job Location:
Elsdon - IL
Business Unit:
Operations
Highest Level Division:
Transportation & Network Ops
Posting Start Date:
10/22/26
Posting End Date:
11/30/2026 11:59 EDT
French/English Bilingual Requirement:
No
Qualified Rate: $55.98 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 Yard Coordinator is responsible for overseeing operations of a rail yard. This includes assigning duties to train crews, giving train crews direction on switching inbound and outbound traffic in accordance with the operating plan and ensuring cars are pulled and placed in the appropriate locations. The position oversees the arrival and departure of cars in their rail yard in a timely fashion. Moreover, the incumbent works closely with the Transportation Manager to supervise the safe and efficient movement of trains.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead yard operations as outlined in CN's operating plan
- Supervise and run the activities of train crews, utility conductors and cab drivers
- Work with Train Masters, Transportation Clerks, Crew Callers, Engineering, Mechanical, Customer Service Dispatchers as well as foreign railroads and outside agencies to manage their yards
- Comply with safe work procedures and practices and deliver a high level of productivity and customer service
- Work with foreign carriers and terminals to coordinate movement of trains and interchanges over CN territory
- Observe, counsel, and carry out operating and safety rules
Working Conditions
- The incumbent must be available to work irregular hours, as well as night shifts, weekends, and holidays when necessary
- The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environment in various types of weather conditions
- Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress
Experience
- Relevant work experience in a regulatory and safety environment*
Education/Certification/Designation
- High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
- Post-secondary education*
- Valid Driver's License
Competencies
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- We Lead Responsibly
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position
- United States Operating Rules (USOR) qualified*
- Basic computer skills*
- Applies critical thinking
- Collaborates with others and shares information
- Leads by example for the safety and security of all
- Considers ESG principles in all operations
- Sets direction and inspires others
- Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
- Develops self and others
- Solves problems to create value
- Ability to provide clear directions and prioritize daily tasks
- Ability to work autonomously and adapt to changing situations
- Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations with a strong background in train and engine service *
- Knowledge of train scheduling
- Knowledge of safety standards, policies and procedures, and collective agreements
*Any experience/education/skills/knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset
Additional Information (If Any)
The Yard Coordinator attends training of USOR in Homewood, IL or a designated location close to their assigned yard. The training relating to terminal operations is done on the job and facilitated by current Yard Coordinators, Transportation Managers, and Assistant Superintendents.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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