📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Signals & Communications Helper
🔹 Company: CPKC
🔹 Location: BC Wide, British Columbia, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Union
🔹 Category: Rail Transportation
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🔹 Travel Percentage: 70-80%
🔹 Positions Available: 3
🔹 Compensation Rate: CAD 27.31 per hour
🔹 Job Available to: Internal & External
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Performing heavy labour related to railway signaling systems construction and maintenance
- Working in a high-risk environment with heavy moving equipment
- Collaborating with Track Renewal groups to protect Signal & Communications (S&C) equipment
- Repairing or replacing damaged equipment as needed
- Working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Potential for overnight travel within District 4 (Vancouver, BC to Swift Current, SK)
- Opportunity to advance to a Signal Maintainer Apprentice position after training completion
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of physical fitness and the ability to work in various weather conditions. It also involves frequent travel and potential overnight stays.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Perform heavy labour related to railway signaling systems construction and maintenance, including:
- Trenching, cable distribution, and housing installation
- Assembly and wiring of signal equipment
- Pole line work
- Moderate to heavy physical labour on an assigned area of track
- Protecting S&C equipment while working with Track Renewal groups
- Repairing or replacing damaged equipment
- Ensuring safety in a high-risk environment
- Working as part of a team and independently
- Performing preventive maintenance on S&C apparatus
- Investigating and locating problems or failures and taking corrective action
- Installing apparatus in accordance with prepared circuit drawings and standards
- Making authorized corrections and modifications to circuits
- Preparing and submitting reports, time sheets, and handling general correspondence
- Being on call to protect failures in the off-hours
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a combination of physical labour and technical tasks, requiring a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Experience: No previous experience required
Required Skills:
- Valid driver's license
- Safety-oriented work ethic
- Ability to follow instructions, rules, and regulations
- Good written and verbal communication/comprehension skills
- Ability to work as a valuable member of a team and independently
- Familiarity with electrical/electronics is considered an asset
- Commercial Vehicle and/or air brake license (DZ) is considered an asset
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the labour industry
- Fluency in French or other languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be physically fit, able to work in various weather conditions, and comfortable with frequent travel and potential overnight stays.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 27.31 per hour (entry-level for this role in the rail transportation industry)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Competitive company pension plan
- Employee Share Purchase Plan
- Annual Fitness Subsidy
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime and on-call duties
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for entry-level positions in the rail transportation industry. Benefits are competitive and include health, dental, and retirement plans.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Rail Transportation
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (large enterprise)
Founded: 1881 (as Canadian Pacific Railway, now CPKC)
Company Description:
- CPKC is the only single-line rail network connecting North America
- Provides innovative and efficient freight transportation services
- Connects key markets across Canada, the United States, and Mexico
- Focuses on safety, service, and sustainability
Company Specialties:
- Logistics
- Supply chain management
- Freight transportation
Company Website: CPKC.com
ASSUMPTION: CPKC is a large, established company with a significant presence in the rail transportation industry. It offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Signals & Communications (S&C) Supervisor or Foreman
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site, with potential for overnight travel
Growth Opportunities:
- After completing the training program, employees may bid to a Signal Maintainer Apprentice position
- With experience and successful performance, employees can advance to a Signal Maintainer role
- CPKC offers extensive training and development opportunities for employees
ASSUMPTION: This role offers clear career progression and opportunities for professional development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Field-based, with no dedicated office space
Office Location(s): BC Wide, British Columbia, Canada
Geographic Context:
- BC Wide territory covers areas between Vancouver, BC to Swift Current, SK
- Work locations vary and may include remote areas with limited amenities
- Employees must be comfortable working in various weather conditions
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime and on-call duties
ASSUMPTION: This role requires employees to be adaptable and comfortable working in various environments and conditions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference verification
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Physical fitness and ability to perform heavy labour
- Safety awareness and commitment to working safely
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Adaptability and comfort working in various environments
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills, particularly in heavy labour, safety, and teamwork
- Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills and any relevant industry experience
- Prepare for interview questions related to safety, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and company during the interview
ATS Keywords: Heavy Labour, Safety, Teamwork, Signal Equipment, Pole Line Work, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Rail Transportation
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should emphasize their relevant skills and experience throughout the process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Hand tools (shovels, picks, etc.)
- Power tools (drills, saws, etc.)
- Signal equipment (controllers, switches, etc.)
- Electrical testing equipment
- Computers and software for reporting and record-keeping
ASSUMPTION: This role requires employees to be comfortable using various tools and technologies related to signal and communication systems.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and comfortable working in various environments
- Committed to safety and working safely
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure your safety and the safety of others while working in a high-risk environment?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a new or challenging work environment?
- How do you approach problem-solving and troubleshooting in a team setting?
ASSUMPTION: CPKC values employees who are committed to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these qualities during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and harsh environments
- Frequent travel and potential overnight stays
- Exposure to heavy moving equipment and high-risk situations
- Physical demands of the role, requiring a high level of fitness
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the physical and environmental demands of this role and be prepared to work in challenging conditions.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other roles in the rail transportation industry, this role offers clear career progression and opportunities for professional development
- As a large enterprise, CPKC offers extensive resources and support for employees
- This role requires a higher level of physical fitness and adaptability than many office-based positions
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal preferences and career goals when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Installing and maintaining signal equipment along a designated section of track
- Repairing damaged signal equipment and restoring functionality
- Collaborating with Track Renewal groups to protect S&C equipment during heavy machinery operations
- Investigating and resolving signal system failures or malfunctions
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the hands-on, technical nature of the Signals & Communications Helper role and the importance of teamwork and problem-solving skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I prepare for them?
- How does this role support career growth and development within the company?
- What safety measures are in place to protect employees working in high-risk environments?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- What are the most important qualities for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience, particularly in heavy labour, safety, and teamwork
- Prepare a cover letter emphasizing your interest in the role and company
- If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your relevant skills and experience
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
