Company Description Universal Rail is Canada’s largest provider of track maintenance and construction services and a proud member of the North American Rail Solutions group. The company supports clients across industrial track owners, Class 1 and short-line freight operators, and transit rail systems nationwide. Universal Rail focuses on safety, sustainability, and excellence while delivering turnkey railway services that keep goods, services, and people moving across Canada. Team members contribute to innovative solutions that strengthen Canada’s rail infrastructure today and for the future. As a proudly Canadian organization, Universal Rail offers opportunities to be part of projects that connect the country’s economy and vast geography.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Track Protection Worker role based in Ontario, Canada. The Track Protection Worker helps ensure the safety of work crews and rail traffic by setting up and maintaining track protection according to company and regulatory standards. Daily tasks include implementing flagging and protection procedures, communicating with train crews and dispatchers, monitoring work zones for potential hazards, and stopping or permitting rail movements as required. The role also involves conducting basic track and site inspections, following detailed safety protocols, completing required reports and documentation, and using radios and other communication devices to coordinate activities. The Track Protection Worker works closely with supervisors, construction and maintenance teams, and other rail professionals to support safe, efficient operations in all weather conditions and varying schedules.
Qualifications
- Safety and compliance skills, including strong understanding of rail safety practices, ability to follow detailed procedures, and commitment to hazard awareness and incident prevention.
- Operational and technical skills, such as basic knowledge of railway operations, comfort working around heavy equipment and moving trains, and ability to learn flagging and protection methods.
- Communication and teamwork skills, including clear verbal communication, effective radio use, and ability to collaborate with supervisors, dispatchers, and field crews.
- Physical and environmental readiness, including ability to work outdoors in all weather, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform duties on uneven terrain and near active rail lines.
- Organizational and documentation skills, such as accurate recordkeeping, attention to detail, and reliability in completing logs, forms, and reports.
- Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation to various work sites; willingness to work variable shifts, weekends, nights, and overtime as required.
- Previous experience in rail, construction, or industrial safety environments is an asset; training or certification in railway protection or flagging is considered an advantage.
- Ability to complete company and regulatory safety training and adhere to all Universal Rail and North American Rail Solutions policies.
