Laborer / Hostler

CN
Homewood, IL

Qualified Rate : $33.61 Per hour

Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

Hostler | Labourer

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 are a skilled trades person or interested in skilled trades and continuous learning in a safety-focused environment, working at CN could be a great fit for you. You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of freight across North America. Enjoy paid training and evolve your skills. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The Labourer | Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive shops. The incumbent collaborates with a large team on day-to-day tasks to ensure the safety and success of CN's operations.

Working Conditions

  • Irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.

  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.

  • Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and occasionally up to 85 pounds (39 kg).

  • Frequent climbing/balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination.

  • Exposure to heat, cold, water, oil, grease, battery acid, fumes and noise.

Major Responsibilities

  • Operate heavy equipment including dollies, high-pressure-washing machines, shovels, and wheelbarrows

  • Drive vehicles including trucks, forklifts, and cranes

  • Operate locomotives

  • Carry out a variety of general tasks, as needed

Requirements

  • Valid driver's license.

  • High School diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)

  • Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects

Assets

  • Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Rail Operating Rules.

  • Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress.

  • Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others.

  • Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills

What We Offer

  • Competitive Wages and Benefits

  • Paid Training and Career Development

  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance

  • Defined Benefits Pension Plan

  • Employee Share Investment Plan

  • Educational Financial Assistance Program

  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

  • Generous Employee Discount Program

  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

  • Telemedicine Service

Paid Training

Successful candidates will take part in a paid training program at a CN Campus (Homewood, IL) to help ensure that they have received the adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN's safety culture. Completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is mandatory to continue employment as a Labourer at CN.

Successful Candidate Process:

  • Offer Letter

  • Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision)

  • Criminal background check

Paid Training Structure:

  • 3 weeks at a CN Campus (classroom instructions at Homewood, IL)

  • 2+ weeks at the local shop (on-site with training team at the location you were hired for)

  • 3 additional weeks at the CN Campus

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest ( , most inclusive ( and sustainable ( railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected] .

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

Posted 2025-11-14

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