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Canadian National Railway Careers

The Canadian National Railway is a relatively new Class I system having its roots only dating back to 1918. However, for years it was under the control of the Canadian government and has only been a private, independent company since 1995. Over the years CN has merged or purchased several US railroads and along with stretching all of the way across southern Canada from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Prince Rupert, British Columbia also reaches down the heart of the continental United States to New Orleans, connecting Memphis and Chicago along the way.

In any event, Canadian National Railway careers vary depending on what field you are interested but for the purposes of this site we will stick with, of course, railroading positions, which range from operating the trains themselves to maintaining the track and property.

Class I railroads are in a "league of their own" so to speak in the industry. They are obviously the largest systems nationwide and many people are drawn to work for them over smaller railroads because of the excellent pay and benefits they offer. However, there is a downside. Railroading is tough enough but it is even tougher on Class Is where the hours are extremely long, rest is a luxury and you never know when you will be called out again.

And on that note please let me say that if you are here searching for railroad jobs and have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that such a career is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is hard work and takes a dedicated breed not only to handle the physical demands required but also the mental fatigue, as working 12-hour, seven-day-a-week shifts is normal (and overtime is mandatory).

While a more predictable work schedule does come with seniority, don’t expect it to happen within a short period of time. Some railroaders wait 20 years or more to land a “9 to 5” workday, which usually consists of working yard or local jobs. There is a reason why railroaders say that railroading becomes a lifestyle, its not just saying! Still, for many the pay, benefits, retirement and general love of the job make it all worthwhile.

If you think you may be interested in a position with CN, as mentioned before it operates the entire length of Canada as well as the central US to New Orleans. However, if I am not mistaken the railroad operates separate US and Canadian crews (so if you are a US citizen you will only be assigned along its US system and if you are a Canadian citizen along its Canadian system). To search for Canadian National Railway careers please feel free to use the search box below from Indeed.com, one of the leading online career resource guides.

Canadian National Railway careers, as with all Class I railroads, range from locomotive engineer and conductor to track maintainer and dispatcher. If you are not sure exactly what position you may be interested in please click here to head back to the main jobs to explore which one may be right for you. Also, if a career in railroading is right for you but would like to learn more about the industry feel free to browse the large selection of books at The Railroad Diamond (to visit the store click the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store"), and if you need or would like help in making a selection please feel free to contact me.

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