Corporate Safety Specialist - Rail

Corporate Safety Specialist

Cando Rail & Terminals is a leading North American provider of specialized rail operations and terminal infrastructure services. We help industrial shippers optimize their supply chains and efficiently connect to Class I railways through our operational expertise and network of multi-purpose rail terminals. Our services include industrial switching, material handling, terminal and transload operations, short line rail services, railcar staging, train assembly, and related rail logistics solutions.

The Corporate Safety Specialist provides hands-on safety leadership and operational support to Cando's Rail operations across North America. Rather than acting solely as an auditor, this role serves as a practical resource to the field, partnering with General Managers, site leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees to identify and control risk, strengthen safe work practices, support regulatory and company requirements, and develop solutions that enable safe and reliable rail operations.

Role & Responsibilities

• Conduct regular site visits and field observations of switching, mechanical, loading, washing, transloading, and maintenance activities to understand work practices, hazards, and operational challenges.
• Partner with Service Delivery teams and frontline employees to identify and improve safe work practices, providing real-time coaching, feedback, and recognition of positive safety behaviors.
• Support operational risk assessments for existing, changing, and new rail business activities.
• Participate in and support investigations of incidents, near misses, and high-potential events, including root cause analysis, corrective action development, review for quality and effectiveness, and incident closeout.
• Coach operational leaders on hazard recognition, job briefings, pre-shift discussions, and employee engagement to build a strong, engagement-based safety culture.
• Review operating procedures and safety standards to ensure they reflect actual work conditions, identify gaps between written requirements and field execution, and support continuous improvement of Cando's Safety Management System
• Assist field leadership in understanding and implementing applicable regulatory and company requirements, and support regulatory inspections, inquiries, and follow-up.
• Participate in safety reviews for new customers, projects, facilities, and acquired or changing operations, support contractor and service-provider safety programs, and build effective cross-functional partnerships.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong understanding of rail switching, loading, transloading, and terminal operations and the hazards associated with working around railcars, locomotives, and heavy equipment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership in industrial environments, with a coaching-based approach that builds trust with frontline employees and leaders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability to work independently in a remote role, manage a travel-heavy schedule, and prioritize competing requests from multiple sites.
• Demonstrates accountability, initiative, and a strong sense of ownership.

Education & Experience

• Minimum five (5) years' combined experience in safety or rail operations roles.
• Bachelors degree preferred but not required.
• Strong computer capabilities including Windows-based environments, MS Office, and safety management or incident reporting software.
• Safety or Rail certification (CSP, ASP, DSLE, etc.) preferred.
• Familiarity with DOT, PHSMA, FRA and/or OSHA regulations preferred.
• Valid driver's license and passport, with the ability to travel across the United States and Canada.

Physical Requirements

• Approximately 50% travel, including overnight and occasional extended trips to operating sites across North America
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions during site visits and field observations
• Ability to walk and stand on uneven ballast surfaces for extended periods and to safely navigate active rail yards and industrial facilities
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods when required for remote office work

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 the level of expertise required in this position.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid State Driver's License
• Strong computer skills (M365 Suite, Windows)
• Ability to travel approx. 50% of time, ability to obtain passport

5 years:

• Rail Operations and/or Safety Supervisory

Preferred

• Familiarity with DOT, PHSMA, FRA and/or OSHA regulations
• Safety or Rail Certification (ASP, DSLE, etc.)
• Bachelors Degree
• Regulatory familiarity (DOT, OSHA, etc)

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.