Yard Master

Cando Rail & Terminals is North America’s leading provider of specialized rail operating services and terminal infrastructure that allow industrial shippers to optimize their supply chains and connect to Class I railways by leveraging Cando’s operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. 

 Cando Advantages 

• Work Life Balance


• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs


• Award Winning Safety Culture


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


• Health & Dental Benefits including voluntary options.


• Expanding in the US and we welcome you to come grow with us!

Yard Masters are responsible for managing and coordinating activities within a rail yard, ensuring efficient train operations and safety. Working in a safety and environmentally sensitive, customer service driven environment, incumbents must work well in teams to maximize efficiency and safety and deliver to the customer’s schedule.

Roles & Responsibilities     

• Use yard management software to ensure that all railcars that enter, exit, load, or unload in the facility are accurately documented.


• Create switch lists based on day-to-day needs and changes in the yard.


• Proactively predict logistics difficulties, use problem solving skills to actively prevent logistics difficulties before they happen.


• Actively monitor activities in the yard using video monitoring equipment.


• Respond to active reporting needs from the Customer, Logistics, or Operations Managers.


• Provide data and reports to aid logistics.


• Ensure adequate information and communication is conducted with the Union Pacific railroad.


• Performing recordkeeping duties related to the switch lists and instructions from Customer.


• Will need to accurately and professionally hand off logistics tasks surrounding shift changes.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities         

• Detailed understanding of the needs of rail switch crews.


• Ability to communicate detailed instructions and patiently repeat instructions in order for them to be performed correctly.


• Ability to handle different and competing deadlines between Savage, the Class-1 Railroad, and the Customer’s logistics team.


• Able to work a 2 on - 2 off – 3 on, 2 off – 2 on - 3 off, 12 -hour night-time schedule.  This will result in holidays and weekends being on rotation as well.


• Able to work with limited supervision – can accurately and efficiently create switch lists based on consistent needs.


• Understands the importance and demonstrates professionalism and customer service, quickly and professionally responds to day-to-day Customer needs.


• Ability to anticipate needs of the Operation/Managers/Team Members.


• Ability to multitask and prioritize time-sensitive work assignments on a daily basis.


• Good written and oral skills with an ability to communicate with Customers and other Cando Team Members in person or via radio.


• Demonstrates a sense of ownership for responsibilities, understands the correct execution of their tasks have implications for the entire team.


• Positive attitude: treats others with fairness and respect – expects the same in return. 


• Is honest in dealings with the customers, company, and employees.


• Attention to detail, self-motivated, and good organizational skills.


• Identify problem areas with Customers and work with manager to develop a resolution.

Education & Experience

• 2+ Years’ experience in a rail-centric facility required.


• Experience in logistics-sensitive administrative or supervisory tasks preferred.


• Background using SAP or equivalent Customer inventory systems preferred.


• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.

• Office environment located in an industrial plant.


• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.


• May be asked to travel long distances, on occasion, for additional training or support.

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.

#INDCRUS