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Senior Officer, Public Works

Yesterday Homewood, IL

Hiring Salary Range : $ 87,800.00 - 109,700.00

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Senior Officer, Public Works is responsible for providing guidance to Public Works Officers (PWOs) as part of the escalation process for concerns. The incumbent acts as railway liaison between municipalities, road authorities, industry and general applicants responding to applications, requests, and concerns. The role requires to actively negotiate and prepare agreements for construction and maintenance of associated projects. Acting as a railway authority with governing authorities, the incumbent must be available for general meetings, inspections and respond to official notices and general concerns. Furthermore, the role acts as the lead CN contact for Public Works within the region. The position provides support and direction on regulatory matters to internal and external parties and ensures crossing compliance by means of the survey, inspection, crossing program management, follow-up reporting and organize the mitigation efforts.

Main Responsibilities

Railway Liaison

• Draft, review and provide content for correspondence to both internal and external stakeholders (e.g., letter, notices, agreements, contracts) and implement changes
• Act as a resource to teams and provide guidance on responses
• Act as prime contact for Public Affairs for regional issues
• Supervise approval process requests from external vendors for demands to install wire and pipe crossing on tracks
• Coordinate with Road Authorities to modify public crossings
• Work with the external parties as CN's main point of contact to establish a plan
• Handle and supervise work permit applications from third parties or contractors working on CN property
• Handle and supervise all public and private crossing, anti-whistling and trespassing issues
• Collaborate with municipalities to implement a solution to cease trespassing issues

Public Works Regulatory Support

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• Oversee PWOs, including responsibility of the recoverable crossing program and other tasks
• Provide quality control for team assignments, and act as PWOs' prime resource
• Review and coordinate approvals of the Manager, Public Works (MPW)
• Lead coordination with other CN resources such as Track, Signals and Communication, Bridges and Structures as well as Flagging for regional items
• Monitor and compile overall work list for the region
• Work with Manager, Public Works to delegate internally, or retain services of consultants
• Coordinate accounting requirements for CN's capital, operating or recoverable projects
• Support MPW in day-to-day operations and vacation relief

Safety Crossing Compliance

• Ensure compliance of new and modified level crossings, and grade separations for successful completion
• Train and support PWOs and support crossing compliance audits
• Keep track of field training time and crossings inspections
• Follow up with Track Supervisors and update files and records
• Carry out crossing safety assessments under the Grade Crossing Regulations to develop and implement upgrades ensuring CN compliance and improve railway and public safety

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires regular travel (up to 60%) to field and construction sites as well as attending third-party offices. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences.

Requirements

Experience

Civil Engineering
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Civil Engineering
• Minimum 2 years in Public Works sector

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, or equivalent
Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Innovates
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Solves problems to create value
• Develops self and others
• Leads by example for the safety and security of all
• Considers ESG principles in all operations

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of track design, material, and construction practises
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Basic engineering knowledge including reading and reviewing plans
• Knowledge of railroads, their regulations and operating rules as well as an understanding of third party's requirements within CN
• Knowledge of CN's practices for internal approvals, accounting, and funding requirements

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 cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
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.

Client-provided location(s): Homewood, IL
Job ID: CN-16808
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-04-07T18:40:39

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • On-Site Cafeteria
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Pension
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

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