Supervisor, Rail Grinding

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 Supervisor, Rail Grinding is responsible for extending the life of rail by overseeing the rail grinding program. The incumbent handles the daily rail grinding operation system-wide which includes a team of Rail Grinding Officers as well as local support. Furthermore, the role is accountable for overseeing and maintaining the rail grinding schedule and budget.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Ensure Rail Grinders are operating safely and efficiently
• Escalate and resolve operational issues, work blocks, staffing, and safety
• Maintain the rail grinding schedule
• Perform track inspections with the local Engineering team to address rail concerns
• Respond to emergency situations
• Comply with Company and department safety targets

People Leadership

• Coach, mentor, and guide team members to ensure they have the necessary tools and support to succeed
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development to Rail Grinding Officers
• Participate in the selection and recruitment of new Rail Grinding Officers
• Participate in succession planning and career development activities
• Ensure Rail Grinding Officers receive appropriate training and are up to date on all training requirements
• Evaluate and qualify Rail Grinding Officers to work independently
• Develop and maintain a program to train new Rail Grinding Officers
• Lead and participate in regular staff meetings

Technical Oversight

• Evaluate the quality of grinding work that is performed
• Assist in setting rail grinding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), standards and operational best practices
• Assist in developing a grinding strategy across the network, including the cost and benefit analysis
• Maintain a good understanding of current and emerging trends in wheel rail interaction
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for rail grinding

Cost Control

• Monitor costs related to rail grinding
• Approve expenses for Rail Grinding Officers
• Approve rail grinding invoices

Working Conditions

The role is primarily performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions with a work schedule of 8 days on and 6 days off. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidents. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and have strong people management skills. The role requires frequent travel (90%) to field sites across CN’s network in Canada and the United States (U.S.).

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in rail flaw detection, welding, grinding or lubrication*

o Experience in track maintenance

o Experience leading supervisory and unionized employees

o Experience in analytics

Education/Certification/Designation

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Track Inspection Guidelines certified
• Canadian Rail Operating Rules certified
• Postsecondary Degree or Diploma in Engineering, Material Science or a related field*
• Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Leads by example for safety of all
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Sets directions and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel)
• Proficient in Electronic Track Occupancy Permits (eTop), Track Occupancy Permits, and Electronic Track Authority Verification (ETAV)
• Previous knowledge of rail grinding*
• Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)*
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. 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. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.