About Ontario Southland Railway
Ontario Southland Railway (OSR) is a short line railway providing safe, reliable freight service across Southwestern Ontario. Our team takes pride in maintaining high‑quality infrastructure, delivering exceptional customer service, and fostering a strong safety culture. As a locally rooted, community‑focused railway, OSR offers a hands‑on, collaborative work environment where every employee contributes directly to our success.
Position Summary
The Assistant Track Maintenance Supervisor supports the Supervisor, Track Maintenance in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of OSR’s track infrastructure. This role provides hands‑on leadership to track maintainers and maintenance‑of‑way (MOW) crews, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with engineering standards and Transport Canada regulations.
This position combines field work, crew coordination, and technical problem‑solving. You will assist with planning daily work, allocating labour and equipment, conducting inspections, coordinating repairs, and maintaining accurate documentation. The role works closely with the Supervisor of Track Maintenance, as well as OSR’s Running Trades, Mechanical, and Training & Compliance teams.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
- Support the Supervisor, Track Maintenance in leading and mentoring track maintainers
- Assist with daily work planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
- Coordinate track access, flagging protection, and contractor activities within the right‑of‑way
- Liaise with municipalities and utilities regarding crossings, drainage, and infrastructure impacts
- Communicate policies, standards, and expectations clearly to MOW crews
Technical & Compliance
- Conduct and support track inspections in accordance with engineering standards and Transport Canada regulations
- Assist with preventative and corrective maintenance on rail, ties, ballast, switches, crossings, and drainage systems
- Participate in and coordinate repairs such as tie replacement, rail changes, surfacing, alignment, and crossing work
- Identify and address track defects, drainage issues, and vegetation encroachment
- Operate and supervise safe use of MOW equipment (tampers, regulators, hi‑rail vehicles, hydraulic tools)
- Maintain accurate inspection, maintenance, and regulatory documentation
- Support capital projects including turnout installations, crossing renewals, and rehabilitation work
Safety
- Promote and model a strong safety culture
- Identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and at‑risk behaviours
- Participate in incident reporting and investigations
- Lead or support job briefings, safety meetings, and training initiatives
- Maintain situational awareness around heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and active track environments
Qualifications
Required
- Experience in railway track maintenance or maintenance‑of‑way operations
- Knowledge of Transport Canada Track Safety Rules (TSR), Track Inspection Guidelines (TIG), railway engineering standards, and track components
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, inspection reports, and technical manuals
- Previous supervisory or lead‑hand experience
- Experience operating or supervising MOW equipment (tampers, regulators, hi‑rail vehicles, hydraulic tools)
- Physically capable of working outdoors in all weather and on uneven terrain
- Valid G‑class (or equivalent) driver’s license
- CROR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Preferred
- Experience in short line or Class I railway environments
- Familiarity with capital project support (turnouts, crossings, rehabilitation)
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and digital documentation systems
- Ability to work occasional irregular hours as operational needs require
- DZ class driver's license
Work Environment
This role is performed in field and yard environments with exposure to weather, uneven terrain, heavy equipment, and noise.
Why Join OSR?
- Locally owned, community‑focused railway
- Collaborative, tight‑knit team environment
- Hands‑on work with visible impact
- Opportunities for skill development and advancement
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Manageable network with predictable Monday to Friday scheduling, with limited evening or weekend work as needed
Pay: $37.00-$41.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have working knowledge of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR)?
Experience:
- Railway: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Track Inspection Guidelines (TIG) Certificate? (required)
Work Location: In person
