Officer, Environmental Impact

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Officer, Environmental Impact is responsible for supporting the permitting and ensuring compliance of CN’s capacity expansion, maintenance projects, and special projects (e.g., fish passage, biodiversity, Milton Logistics Hub) in the Eastern Region. The position supports infrastructure growth while minimizing environmental impacts and fostering positive relationships with local and Indigenous communities. The role collaborates across multiple levels and functions, and ensures projects adhere to regulatory requirements, permit conditions, CN policies, and sound environmental practices.

Main Responsibilities

Environmental Assessment and Permitting

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to understand proposed construction and maintenance projects
• Complete or assist in environmental assessments and mitigation measures for construction and maintenance projects
• Plan, coordinate resources, and participate in field studies to complement environmental assessments and reviews
• Support Front Line Supervisors (FLS) and Project Managers on permitting and related issues concerning protection of fish and wildlife and compliance with CN and regulatory procedures, codes, and regulations
• Prepare or oversee Consultants in preparing applications and supporting documentation for environmental approvals
• Apply for and receive environmental approvals for proposed projects
• Ensure consultant service excellence, including detailed technical review as well as Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) of all written products
• Hold pre-submission Teams meetings with consultants and attend

• Assist with emergency projects requiring environmental approvals and coordination with regulators
• Provide technical advice, regulatory outreach, and direction during emergencies that have the potential to impact the environment

Compliance

• Review and comment on various plans and reports prepared by contractors to ensure compliance with project commitments and conditions
• Conduct or oversee Consultant’s field monitoring of construction projects to meet permit conditions and Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Participate in regular project meetings to track progress and coordinate mitigation measure implementation
• Deliver training and education on mitigation measures to CN staff and contractors
• Ensure timely completion of permit obligations, including post-construction monitoring and regulatory reporting
• Assist in the management of post-construction monitoring in compliance with letters of credit and other regulatory agreements, permits and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
• Provide updates on non-compliance events to the Regional Manager, Environmental Impact for further action
• Serve as a technical and local knowledge resource in inter and intra-departmental projects
• Assist in tracking and oversight of project budgets

Networking and Team Performance Management

• Build cooperative and progressive relationship with other CN departments, regulatory agencies, and Indigenous communities
• Assist Regional Manager, Environmental Impact with special projects (e.g., fish passage, biodiversity initiatives, Milton Logistics Hub)
• Track performance metrics, and identify opportunities for process improvement
• Research, develop, and implement strategies and databases to enhance performance metrics and adapt to changes in environmental legislation and policies

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environment with various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires moderate physical effort including assisting in or conducting sampling programs and participating in field programs. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The role requires occasional travel (20%) throughout the Eastern Region and the United States (U.S.).

Requirements

Experience

• Between 3 to 5 years of experience in environmental assessment, permitting, environmental compliance monitoring, and regulatory engagement

o Experience with contractor and consultant management

o Experience with fisheries-related projects*

o Experience engaging with Indigenous communities*

• Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or related discipline

Competencies

• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Applies critical thinking
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Demonstrates active listening
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Seeks and values all perspectives
• Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders
• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and associated agencies, with an emphasis on approval and permitting processes in Eastern Canada
• Knowledge of environmental science, ecological systems, fisheries, and species at risk
• Knowledge of project management principles (e.g., dealing with regulatory agencies, consultants, and contractors)
• Strong knowledge of construction-site activities and environmental mitigation measures
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of engineering functions of railways and operations*
• Knowledge of Systems, Applications and Products (SAP)*
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset