How to become a railway transport operations Supervisor
Official title: Supervisors, railway transport operations
Also called: Yardmaster - railway, Yard foreman/woman - railway, Foreman/woman - railway transport, Station agent - railway transport, Stationmaster - railway transport, Road foreman/woman - railway transport, Railway transport operations supervisor, Railway transport operations foreman/woman, Railway transport operating support foreman/woman, Trainmaster, Stationmaster, Freight train road foreman/woman
Supervisors of railway transport operations supervise and coordinate the activities of railway and yard locomotive engineers, railway yard workers and railway labourers. They are employed by railway transport companies.
Main tasks
- Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers who operate trains, drive locomotives in railway yards and perform other duties related to railway operations
- Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
- Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve performance
- Requisition materials and supplies
- Train staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policy
- Recommend personnel actions such as hiring and promotions
- Prepare work reports
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. A Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate is required. A certificate in accordance with the Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations is required. Several years of railway operations experience are required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,000 a year The middle half earn $62,400 to $89,993.
- About 1,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 1,400 are projected by 2033. (+7.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- Supervisors, printing and related occupations
- Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
- Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a railway transport operations Supervisor?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. A Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate is required. A certificate in accordance with the Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations is required. Several years of railway operations experience are required.
How much does a railway transport operations Supervisor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $62,400 to $89,993.
Is a railway transport operations Supervisor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 1,300 to about 1,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a railway transport operations Supervisor?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03