Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Chief Dispatcher

AT CN
CN

Chief Dispatcher

Edmonton, Canada

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 Chief Dispatcher is a front-line supervisor position responsible for the management of day-to-day train operations of the territory and unionized Rail Traffic Control Dispatchers (RTC) in order to meet CN's service commitments. The incumbent's primary responsibility is to ensure network fluidity, optimal crew utilization and transportation plan implementation. The Chief Dispatcher oversees the dispatching of trains by providing direction to the RTC based on regional goals and initiatives. Managing the day-to-day operations of a 24/7 function, the role is critical to ensuring the on-time performance of trains, and thus, CN's commitment to customers.

Want more jobs like this?

Get Project Management jobs in Edmonton, Canada delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.

Main Responsibilities
Safety Orientation, Understanding, Compliance and Enforcement
• Coach and train unionized employees on safe operating procedures for train movement
• Build safety compliance and improve safety results through regular safety observations; provide feedback (positive and constructive) to subordinates and take action on non-compliant behavior
• Train, audit, and enforce standard operating procedures
• Ensure safe operation as measured by accidents and incidents and employee injuries
• Achieve weekly and monthly safety observation expectations and objectives in regards to the safety management plan
Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Maintain teamwork and order amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients by acting with a sense of urgency to respond to issues as they may arise
• Use operational data in CN systems to identify opportunities to improve asset utilization and service reliability
• Manage crew utilization, track deadheads, recrews and labor cost and take action to improve the operations and cost control
Planning and Organizing Workload
• Prepare daily meet plans
• Responsible for the oversight of track maintenance, track repairs, and upgrades while overseeing the operation of train movement
• Set recover plans for service exceptions in conjunction with field
• Manage train line ups and train meets and to predict estimated time of arrival and train crew needs
• Align train crews and schedule
• Determine best opportunity to move trains against multiple demands
• Give recommendations to cost control and asset utilization when planning workflow and implementing decisions
General Leadership of Union Workforce
• Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations
• Conduct investigations per collective agreement and issue discipline in collaboration with the leadership team
• Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching
Performance Management, Training and Onboarding
• Evaluate employee performance and review performance expectations, actual performance, and overall performance ratings
• Conduct onboarding conversations to ensure employees are adopting proper work practices, and have the knowledge, tools and understanding to perform their job safely and efficiently
• Identify and coach performance deficiencies, and take action to build required behaviour
• Share best practices, information and operational concerns in order to create transparency and clear understanding of CN's direction and expectations
Working Conditions
The role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The incumbent has an overall commitment to safety, while working in conjunction with collective agreement.
Requirements
Experience
Industrial Work
• Industrial work experience that demonstrates progression of responsibility and complexity in a safety-compliant environment
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience of unionized employees

• 2 years of experience as a Rail Traffic Control Dispatcher
Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset
Education/Certification/Designation
• High School Diploma
• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Logistics
Any designation education for these above would be considered as an asset
Competencies
• Tracks metrics to achieve ambitious targets and holds self accountable to meet performance expectations
• Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts well to its audience
• Makes informed and timely decisions to succeed
• Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity
• Continuously displays a customer centric attitude in order to improve the customer's journey
• Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them
• Time management
• Project management
Technical Skills/Knowledge
• Knowledge of operating rules, procedures and policies
• General Microsoft and computer skills; especially with Excel, Word, SRS, SAP, PAP, Applications such as RTBI and DataCity
About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. 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. As the only railroad connecting Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

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 from underrepresented groups often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don't see yourself in 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 reach out to our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants 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. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.

Client-provided location(s): Edmonton, AB, Canada
Job ID: CN-13908
Employment Type: Other

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)

Company Videos

Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at CN.