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Cn Rail Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CDL Driver (CN)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21.60/hr

Sperry Rail is on a mission-critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and AI-assisted analysis, we ...

Cn Rail information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$25

$59

How much do cn rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cn rail in Iowa is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.44 and $32.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CN Rail job?

A CN Rail job refers to employment with Canadian National Railway (CN), one of North America's largest railway companies. CN offers various positions in operations, engineering, mechanics, customer service, and management. Jobs can range from working on trains as conductors or engineers to maintaining tracks and equipment. Employees typically receive competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career growth. CN plays a crucial role in transporting goods across Canada and the U.S., making its jobs essential to the supply chain industry.

What does a typical shift look like for someone working at CN Rail?

A typical shift at CN Rail can vary depending on your specific position, but most roles involve a combination of outdoor and indoor tasks, often performed in rotating shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Daily responsibilities can include inspecting rail cars and equipment, coordinating with team members to safely move trains, conducting repairs, and ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations. You'll typically work as part of a collaborative team to keep freight operations running smoothly and efficiently. While the work environment is fast-paced and physically demanding, it provides plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and progress into supervisory or specialized technical roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the CN Rail position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a role at CN Rail, you generally need strong mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and knowledge of railway operations, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with rail yard switching systems, locomotive mechanics, and safety protocols is essential, as well as completion of company-specific training programs. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication skills set outstanding team members apart. These abilities ensure safe, efficient rail operations and help maintain the high standards required in the transportation industry.

What skills are needed for Cn Rail jobs?

CN Rail jobs typically require strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Technical abilities such as knowledge of safety procedures, operating railway equipment, and familiarity with industry regulations are also important. Physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions are often necessary for field roles.

What are popular job titles related to Cn Rail jobs in Iowa?

For Cn Rail jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cn Rail job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,291 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Canadian National Railway rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Train Conductor

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together-by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

If you enjoy workingoutdoors in a safety-focused environment, a rewarding career as a TrainConductor might be right for you! With a dynamic 24/7 schedule, no twodays working look alike. You can expect exciting challenges, paid training, andsupportive colleagues who share your passion for motion. The careers we offerare meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your careermoving!

Job Summary

The Train Conductor acts as a member of a 2 or 3-person train crew and performs duties associated with the movement of trains, rail cars, and locomotives in rail yards and on the road. The incumbent coordinates the assembly of trains and completes any ground-work outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or on-route (operating track switches, picking up rail cars and making emergency repairs).

Working Conditions
  • Work a flexible schedule with regular and predictable attendance, in line with the 24/7 railroading environment.
  • Available to work night shifts, weekends, holiday work hours, some overtime and being away from home for extended periods of time when required.
  • Push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and assist in the infrequent movement of weights of up to 83 pounds
  •  Primarily work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions
  •  Operating various devices on rail cars and locomotives, such as an uncoupling levers and handbrakes
  •  Climb on and off ladders of rail cars
  •  Grasp and hold objects while riding the side of a train
  •  Walk for frequent extended periods, sometimes on uneven surfaces
  •  Bend, stoop, squat and kneel frequently
Major Responsibilities
  •  Ensuring compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations related to safety, operation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  •  Providing and receiving various forms of oral and printed communication concerning the movement and placement of rail cars
  •  Assemble and dismantle trains in the rail yard, and pick up and set off rail cars on-route
  •  Observe, interpret, and relaying signals concerning train and engine movement
  •  Operate track switches to change locomotive and rail car routes
  • Inspect the condition of a train and equipment
  • Preparing necessary forms and reports
  • Conductors may also be required to travel and may be away from home for more than one night at a time.
  • Follow company safety procedures, use common sense, and maintain an overall level of safety awareness when operating in the work environment
  • Make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations
  • Communicate effectively with the Rail Traffic Control center, other train crews and other departments on a regular basis via handheld radio
Requirements         
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Valid driver's license
  • High School Diploma or equivalence
  • Meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position
  • Proficiency in both oral and written communications (English)
Assets
  • Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory/safety environment
  • Knowledge of signals or Railroad Operating Rules
  • Post-secondary education
  •  Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stressful situations.
  •  Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others.
  •  Conform to operating rules and safety procedures and maintain a high level of safety awareness in the work environment, both for themselves and their colleagues.
What We Offer
  • Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
  • Paid Training and Career Development
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • 24/7 Telemedicine Service
  • Employee Share Investment Plan
  • Educational Financial Assistance Program
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
 Paid Training:

Newly hired CN Conductors participate in a comprehensive paid training program at the CN Campus (Homewood, IL). Expenses related to transportation, accommodation and meals while at Campus are covered by CN.

Successful completion of the entire training program, including written exams, physical assessments, and field training, is required to work as a CN Conductor.

 

Successful Candidate Process:

  • Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision)
  • Criminal background check
  • Offer Letter

Paid Training Structure:

  • 4 weeks at CN's Campus (Classroom training)
  • 4 weeks at a CN Home Terminal (working on-site with training team)
  • 3 weeks at Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)
  • 45+ trips to qualify as a conductor (supervised train trips)

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