Freight Car Inspector

Freight Car Inspectors are responsible for ensuring railcar and freight car equipment meet standards for loading product and transportation on the rail network. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you! 

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3 largest locomotive fleet in Canada and growing!

Cando Advantages

• Work Life Balance with Fixed Schedules


• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs


• Award Winning Safety Culture


• Employee Ownership Program


• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances


• Flexible Health & Dental Benefits


• Canada’s Best Managed Company for 9 years!

Job Description

Freight Car Inspectors are responsible for ensuring railcar and freight car equipment meet standards for loading product and transportation on the rail network.  Inspectors must work well to maximize efficiency and safety within the operations. The incumbents work in a team environment to provide safe and effective railcar inspection, repair, and maintenance.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Perform in train repairs, number 1 air brake tests, and inspections on railcars and freight car equipment in accordance to industry standard


• Ensure all work associated with in train repairs is completed quickly and efficiently


• Perform all train inspection activity including trucks, underframe, structure, safety appliances, braking systems, and draft systems


• Promptly address and report all safety concerns and equipment problems to the site designate


• Offload tank cars and perform locomotive fueling


• Perform locomotive safety inspections


• Qualify and operate locomotives on the shop tracks


• Complete daily reports, daily logs on the computer as deemed necessary


• Exert “best effort” to protect human life, human safety and company property


• Participate in company developed training program for freight car inspectors

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Possess a good mechanical aptitude and knowledge of railcar components


• Use hand tools and other equipment effectively and without injury


• Be physically fit including the ability to pull self-up and down from railcars on a continuous basis and lift and carry 50 lbs.; ability to work in confined spaces and at heights with appropriate restraints


• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a continental work rotation


• Ability to read and write general documentation; learn and use new technology


• Be able to pass site drug and alcohol testing

Education & Experience 

• Hold and maintain a valid class 5 driver’s and forklift license


• Railway background with welding experience preferred


• Experience operating various types of equipment an asset


• Railcar mechanic accreditation considered an asset

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand of the level of expertise required in this position.