Bridge Inspector

About the Company

CN is a leading North American railway company dedicated to safety, service, and sustainability. With a vast 20,000-mile network connecting Canada's coasts and the U.S. South, CN transports over 300 million tons of goods annually. The company values social responsibility and environmental stewardship while fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Job Overview

The Bridge Inspector will be responsible for conducting detailed inspections of railway bridges and related structures. This role involves assessing steel, concrete, timber bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls, typically as part of a two-person team. Inspections include identifying structural issues, ranking component conditions, and managing related databases. The position occasionally requires operating a Snooper inspection vehicle to access hard-to-reach areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a high-rail pickup truck and occasionally a Snooper truck for inspections.
• Inspect various bridge types including steel, concrete, timber, as well as tunnels and retaining walls.
• Produce and submit comprehensive inspection reports to aid in repair and maintenance planning.
• Ensure inspections and condition ratings adhere to CN standards and sound practices within scheduled timelines.
• Detect and report defects in structural components of bridges and other railway infrastructure.
• Comply with CN’s policies, values, and guiding principles throughout daily operations.

Working Conditions

The role primarily involves outdoor work (around 80%) across diverse weather conditions, with some time spent indoors (approximately 20%). It requires climbing to heights using disciplined climbing and rope access techniques. Regular travel of about 60% is expected, occasionally requiring overnight stays. The candidate must be prepared to respond swiftly to emergency situations related to bridges and structures.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum two years’ experience as a Bridge Foreman or equivalent in bridge maintenance or related structural construction work.
• At least five years of experience within the railroad industry as well as five years in Bridges and Structures roles.
• Familiarity with SAP-EPI and asset management systems like BCS is preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s Degree or related college diploma in Engineering or Construction Technology is considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s license with air endorsement, or ability to obtain within three months.
• Capability or qualifications to become certified in Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), rope-access techniques, rescue from heights, confined space entry and rescue.
• Additional certifications such as Track Inspection Guidelines, Emergency First Aid, and Safety Sensitive Position eligibility are advantageous.

Competencies and Technical Skills

• Strong adherence to safety protocols, information security, and environmental governance.
• Proactive risk identification and timely resolution to ensure safety.
• Effective communication and collaboration across functions.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt quickly to change.
• Sound engineering judgment with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of bridge construction, components, and inspection standards.
• Personal fall protection and rescue expertise.
• Proficiency in general computer applications including Excel and Word.
• Skilled in maintaining detailed electronic records and database entries (SAP, EPI, BCS).
• Understanding and compliance with National Safety Code regulations.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

CN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected statuses. Accommodations are available during recruitment upon request.