Rail Specialist, Rail Operations
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Rail Specialist, Rail Operations based in Canada.
As a Rail Specialist, you’ll serve as a technical subject matter expert supporting safe, compliant, and efficient rail operations across industrial facilities throughout North America. You’ll provide practical guidance on rail movements, switching, inspections, regulatory compliance, and operational standards. The role combines technical expertise with hands-on field support, training, competency assessment, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with operations teams, facility leaders, railway partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen rail performance and safety. You’ll also contribute to audits, incident investigations, root cause analyses, and the development of rail procedures and training programs. This is a highly independent role where you’ll manage multiple priorities while providing guidance across multiple operating locations. Although the position is remote administratively, most of the work is field-based and involves frequent travel to sites across North America.
Accountabilities
Serve as a rail subject matter expert, providing practical guidance on industrial rail operations, rail movements, switching/shunting, and day-to-day operating practices.
Support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of rail standards, procedures, controls, and practices within the Operational Management System.
Review and maintain rail operating procedures, standards, training materials, and competency assessment tools.
Provide hands-on field support for rail operations, including switching, inspections, troubleshooting, competency evaluations, and operational improvement initiatives.
Support operating sites with technical guidance, training, coaching, and field mentorship related to rail movements, offloading activities, and rail yard inspections.
Assess the qualifications and competency of rail movement operators through field evaluations, competency assessments, and individual development planning.
Participate in incident investigations, operational assessments, and root cause analyses involving rail movements and loading or offloading activities.
Identify rail-related hazards and risks and support the development and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.
Support regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reviews while helping ensure alignment with applicable requirements and internal standards.
Coordinate and collaborate with railway partners, operations teams, facility leadership, and other stakeholders on rail-related matters.
Monitor, document, and report findings, development needs, and corrective actions identified during site visits and operator assessments.
Provide rail operational support across multiple facilities throughout North America, traveling regularly to operating locations as required.
Promote consistency, safety, compliance, and operational excellence across rail operations.
High school diploma or GED required.
Trade certification or post-secondary education in a related discipline is considered an asset but is not required.
Previous experience working in industrial rail environments, including rail yards, rail-served facilities, and/or Class I railway operations.
Experience working as an LPG rail loader/offloader is considered an asset.
Experience providing coaching, mentoring, training, and competency assessments within rail operations.
Experience working across multiple operating sites is an asset.
Rail-industry technical certifications are considered an asset.
Current or previous Track Inspection Level 2 certification is considered an asset.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel frequently to operating sites.
Strong practical understanding of industrial rail operations, including rail yard layouts, rail movements, and switching/shunting practices.
Strong working knowledge of CROR and/or IROR rules.
Solid understanding of Class I railway standards and their application to industrial railway facilities.
Ability to identify, assess, communicate, and help mitigate rail-related risks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with operations teams, facility leadership, railway partners, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently as a technical specialist while managing multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
Strong ability to provide technical guidance and support to less experienced personnel.
Strong safety-oriented mindset and demonstrated commitment to safe operating practices.
Collaborative approach and ability to support operational objectives across multiple locations.
Willingness and ability to undertake frequent air and ground travel throughout North America, as the majority of the role is field-based.
Full-time employment.
Remote administrative work arrangement within Canada.
Field-based role with the opportunity to work directly across multiple operating facilities.
Opportunity to operate as a technical subject matter expert with broad exposure to rail operations.
Opportunity to contribute to operational safety, compliance, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaboration with operations teams, facility leaders, railway partners, and technical stakeholders across North America.
Opportunities to develop expertise across multiple industrial operating environments.
Travel-based field experience across North American operating locations.
Comprehensive employment benefits and total rewards programs, subject to applicable employment location and company policies.