Flag Person (Mountain)

Role Overview

This position is for an outdoor rail maintenance role focused on safeguarding track workers and contractors on active construction sites. The work centers on enforcing railway rules and safety procedures so that the job site remains secure and train-ready.

At CN, the emphasis is on safety, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and high standards of service. The role supports essential rail infrastructure work in varying weather and environmental conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply railway rules and ensure they are followed at construction sites.
• Use, care for, and keep both standard and specialized hand tools in working order.
• Take out and install defective ties, rail spikes, and anchors.
• Fix problems with track surface, alignment, and gauge.
• Install and repair street and railroad crossings.
• Help replace or repair power-operated switches and insulated joints.
• Unload or help unload ballast, and unload and spread track materials.
• Sort used track material for loading, including hand loading when required.
• Remove brush, vegetation, snow, and debris from the rail right-of-way.
• Set up and maintain drainage systems and clean the work area after the task is finished.
• Follow track safety standards, operating rules, and safe work procedures at all times.

Working Conditions

• Work may involve shifts and overtime when necessary.
• Extended travel is required, including overnight trips.
• The role is mainly outdoors and subject to different weather and environmental conditions.
• Expect repetitive physical tasks throughout the day.
• The job requires lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 70 pounds occasionally.
• Good eye-hand coordination and firm grasping ability are important.
• All safe work procedures and company policies must be followed.

Requirements

• Prior experience in similar working conditions or in a regulated safety-focused environment.
• Experience using heavy equipment and machinery.
• Strong communication ability, including comfort using radios.
• High School Diploma, GED, or an equivalent credential.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Ability to meet all medical fitness-for-duty standards, including safety-related requirements.
• Capability to work independently, adjust to changing situations, and manage pressure.
• Team-oriented approach with positive working relationships.
• Commitment to completing work to required standards for quality, safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Sound judgment and practical common sense.
• Hand-eye coordination and grasping ability.

Preferred Background

• Knowledge of signals or railroad operating rules is considered an asset.

What’s Offered

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Paid training and career development opportunities.
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Employee share investment plan.
• Educational financial assistance program.
• Employee resource groups.
• Employee discount program.
• Employee and family assistance program.
• Telemedicine service.

Training

Selected candidates will complete a paid four-week training program at CN Campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba, followed by additional on-the-job training. The training focuses heavily on health and safety rules and must be completed successfully in order to continue employment in this role.

Selection Process

• Medical assessment, including drug, hearing, and vision testing.
• Criminal background check.
• Offer letter.

Employment Terms

This is a unionized role, and pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.

About the Employer

CN is a major North American railroad committed to safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation of goods and resources. The company operates a large rail network across Canada and into the U.S. and places strong emphasis on safety, service, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement. Accommodation is available during the recruitment process for those who need it, and hiring decisions are made in line with equal opportunity principles.

Communication with candidates is handled by email, so applicants should monitor their inbox regularly.