Yard Master/Superintendent

Who We Are Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program is delivering more GO service across the network, including the capacity to deliver two-way service every 15 minutes or better on core routes. Work is already underway on new track, station renovations and infrastructure upgrades on parts of the Lakeshore, Stouffville, Kitchener and Barrie lines. The investment will generate thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities across the region. The ONxpress Civil Joint Venture is comprised of Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc. and FCC Canada Ltd. This multidisciplinary team leads the delivery of civil and track works, leveraging global expertise to introduce innovative solutions across the GO Transit network.

What You'll Do

• Provide overall operational leadership to Yard Supervisors, Trainmasters, Assistant Trainmasters, yard coordinators, conductors, locomotive engineers and supporting crews assigned to yard and terminal activities.
• Act as the primary operational authority and coordination point between yard teams, Operations Control, Rail Traffic Control, construction teams, Engineering, Mechanical, Logistics and third-party railway partners.
• Establish daily and shift-based operating plans covering train lineups, inbound and outbound movements, switching, railcar classification, work blocks, locomotive power, crew deployment and equipment positioning.
• Maintain safe yard fluidity by integrating construction access, work trains, maintenance activities, deliveries, material handling, staging and loading or unloading with active rail movements.
• Control access for contractors, personnel, vehicles and equipment, and verify that interfaces between rail and non-rail activities are planned, communicated and monitored.
• Ensure compliance with applicable operating rules, site procedures, safety requirements, collective agreements and regulatory obligations in a safety-critical rail environment.
• Lead safety briefings, field observations, compliance audits, incident investigations, dangerous-goods event management, operational recovery and the initial on-shift response to emergencies.
• Monitor operating metrics and trends to improve service reliability, yard throughput, asset utilization, crew productivity, cost performance, and customer commitments.
• Coordinate maintenance and work blocks with Engineering and Mechanical teams while protecting operational requirements and restoring services safely and efficiently.
• Lead workforce planning, onboarding, coaching, qualification support, succession planning, attendance management, labour relations and performance management for assigned personnel.
• Provide clear shift handovers, operating reports, risk updates and escalation of constraints, incidents and emerging conflicts to project and operations leadership.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and participate in special projects that strengthen safety, reliability, operational discipline and collaboration across the yard.
• Set and adjust operational priorities based on safety, network requirements, construction needs, available crews, equipment condition and yard capacity.
• Stop, defer or re-sequence work when conditions, interfaces or resource limitations create an unacceptable operational or safety risk.
• Direct coordinated response during service disruptions and emergencies until relieved by the appropriate emergency or senior operational authority.
• Escalate conflicts affecting safe railway operations, access, schedule, resource availability or customer commitments, with clear options and recommended actions.

What You Bring

• Extensive progressive experience in railway transportation, terminal, classification of yard or work-train operations, including substantial leadership responsibility in a 24/7 unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading yard and terminal operations, train planning, crew deployment, switching, locomotive power planning, maintenance interfaces and service recovery.
• Strong knowledge of railway operating rules, safety management systems, regulatory compliance, incident investigation, and emergency response.
• Proven ability to lead frontline rail employees and operational supervisors, administer collective agreement requirements and build workforce capability through coaching and qualification support.
• Qualified Train Conductor and/or Locomotive Engineer designation is strongly preferred; equivalent operating qualifications and experience will be considered.
• High school diploma or general equivalency required; additional railway leadership, transportation or operations training is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; an AZ-level license is considered an asset where relevant to assigned duties.
• Core Competencies
  • Safety and regulatory leadership
  • Operational performance analytics
  • Terminal and yard operations
  • Cross-functional coordination
  • Train, crew and locomotive planning
  • Clear radio and written communication
  • Unionized workforce leadership
  • Decisive judgement under pressure
  • Incident and emergency management
  • Continuous improvement and coaching
• Digital and Reporting Skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, operational reporting and analytics tools, safety management systems, and railway yards or transportation planning applications. Experience with SAP, SRS, PAP, RTBI, DataCity, SmartYard or comparable systems is an asset.
• Ability to work on variable shifts, including limited nights, weekends and holidays, and respond to operational disruptions as required.
• Work is performed in office, yard and active railway environments and requires regular field presence, situational awareness and compliance with all site access and personal protective equipment requirements.

Expected compensation for this role is between $130,000.00-170,000.00 annually. Base salaries are determined according to multiple factors including skills, experience and potential impact on the role. Internal and external competitiveness are also taken into consideration. In addition to base salary ONxpress also offers a comprehensive medical and dental program, RRSP with company matching and the potential to participate in our discretionary, performance-based bonus program. This role is a newly created position. As part of our commitment to fair and transparent hiring practices, ONxpress may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and reviewing candidates. These tools are applied responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and ONxpress’ AI Usage Policy. All final decisions are made by qualified ONxpress team members. Connect with us! Learn more about our project here and follow us on LinkedIn for frequent updates. This position is with ONxpress Civils (“CJV” aka the Design & Construction team); the project segment responsible for the modernization and modification of the key area network, including countless innovations in the way the regional rail infrastructure is built. We value diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of whether they meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you have the skills and passion to excel in this role, we welcome your application and the opportunity to consider you for the position. We are an Equal Employer. Should you need any accommodation through the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].