About this job
Join Our Team as a Track Protection Worker
Location: Toronto, ON (applicants must live within 1.5 hours of Downtown Toronto)Company: Universal Rail Services Inc.Employment: Full‑Time, UnionizedWork Location: On the road
Shift Type/Frequency: 80% nights, 20% days throughout the year.
Hourly Rate: $38.46 (upon completion of training and mentorship program).
**UNIVERSAL RAIL IS CURRENTLY BEING ASSISTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM BASED IN USA. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MAY RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM A NUMBER WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.**
Help Keep Rail Operations Safe and Moving.
If you’re safety‑focused, alert, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, safety‑sensitive environment, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in protecting railway operations and construction crews.
Universal Rail Services Inc. is seeking Track Protection Workers to support safe railway operations by controlling movement within active rail corridors and ensuring compliance with railway rules and safety standards.
Who We Are
At Universal Rail Services Inc., our work is getting and keeping Canada’s railway operators in motion — safely and sustainably. We work coast‑to‑coast, across every railway sector and project size, delivering service excellence and exceptional value to our clients.
Within our team, we call this Doing It Right!
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Track Protection Worker is responsible for controlling and directing contractor activities within active railway rights‑of‑way. Using established railway operating rules and protection protocols, you will ensure worksites are cleared safely ahead of train movements while minimizing disruption to railway operations.
This role is critical to ensuring worker safety, public safety, and operational continuity within active rail environments.
This position requires regular travel throughout the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area and flexibility to work varied schedules. Willingness to work night shifts is an important requirement.
What You’ll Do
Conduct daily job briefings to ensure all contractors understand site‑specific instructions before work begins.
Review work sites daily in coordination with Supervisors and contractor representatives.
Maintain constant situational awareness and alertness in a safety‑sensitive environment.
Set up, reposition, and dismantle railway‑specific signage and protection equipment.
Control access to work zones to protect workers and the public from hazards.
Communicate with Rail Traffic Controllers and other Track Protection personnel using established procedures and radio communication.
Install and remove railway protection devices (flags, signage) at designated locations.
Direct the safe movement of personnel and equipment through work areas.
Prepare daily reports, including timesheets and work documentation.
Promote and enforce the company’s safety program, ensuring all workers adopt a safety‑first mindset.
Operate company vehicles as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
What You Bring
Post‑secondary education and/or equivalent experience (preferred).
Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence and a clean abstract is an important requirement.
Ability to read instructions and follow written policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Willingness to work nights, weekends, and overtime as required.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (snow, rain, heat).
Strong concentration and situational awareness in dynamic environments.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under pressure.
Understanding of workplace safety requirements and procedures.
Ability to work in a safety‑sensitive role directing contractors in active railway environments.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation, with earning potential up to $100,000 annually
Paid training, including:
Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR)
Track Inspection Guidelines (TIG)
Personal Track Safety (PTS)
Mentorship and on‑the‑job training
Union membership, with access to benefits and pension programs.
Overtime pay and night shift premiums.
The opportunity to work with a great team where Safety is an integral part of our culture.
Apply Today!
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Universal Rail Services Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A.I. may be used in the grading of candidates for selection purposes.
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