Assistant Culvert & Ditching Inspector

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S. Canada and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Are you ready to take the lead and drive positive changes? As the Assistant Culvert and Ditching Inspector, you will be responsible for overseeing and conducting scheduled, periodic, and emergency inspections of culverts and associated infrastructure. Your expertise in evaluating field conditions and providing insightful feedback will play a vital role in guiding maintenance decisions. Key responsibilities include inspecting assets, clearing debris, completing road and drainage repairs, and meticulously documenting all work performed. In this position, you will manage both CPKC and contractor maintenance teams and work closely with the Railroad Bridge Engineer and Senior Manager of Structures and Field Operations to execute effective maintenance plans based on inspection results. Step into this dynamic role and make a meaningful impact on our railroad operations!

 

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Assist in directing and supervising a maintenance crew, assigning daily tasks, and providing instruction on safe work practices
• Perform thorough inspections of culverts to ensure CPKC meets all Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulatory requirements, promoting safety and operational excellence
• Review maintenance and renewal activities for culverts to confirm alignment with CPKC Structures Red Book and organizational standards
• Advise the Manager of Culverts and Ditching with detailed inspection reports and recommendations
• Record inspection data accurately in the designated database, following guidance from the Railroad Bridge Engineer
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with engineering personnel in assigned territories
• Operate heavy machinery—including loaders, backhoes, excavators, and dump trucks—while conducting routine equipment inspections before and after use

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or general equivalency
• Valid driver’s license
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience; including at least 1 year of directing teams or serving in leadership role preferably in railroad or construction
• Proficient in using basic computer programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documenting and reporting inspections
• Familiar with hand tools, laser levels, and transits for performing grade measurements and related tasks
• Able to work effectively in a wide range of outdoor conditions, such as inclement weather, uneven or steep terrain, dense vegetation, and environments where insects or wildlife may be present
• Provide emergency response support as part of an on-call rotation, typically every other week, to help maintain continuous 24/7 operations

 

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension and/or retirement plans
• Employee share purchase plan
• Performance incentive plan
• Annual fitness subsidy
• Part-time studies program

 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

 

Medical and Drug Testing

This is a safety sensitive position and a successful pre-employment medical assessment including physical, vision, hearing, and a negative company or regulated drug test is required. Post hire qualification drug testing may also be required.

 

Background Investigation

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references
• Driver’s license verification and driving history
• Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 Form
• Social Security Number verification

 

BECOMING A RAILROADER:

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

 

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locom