US Safety & Regulatory Officer

Job DescriptionJob Description

The US Safety & Regulatory Officer – United States provides expert safety guidance and support across U.S.-based operations, including transload, rail switching, and mechanical activities. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3rd largest locomotive fleet in Canada and growing!

Cando Advantages

• Work Life Balance with Fixed Schedules
• Cando’s Technical and Leadership Training Programs
• Award Winning Safety Culture
• Employee Ownership Program
• Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Insurances
• Flexible Health & Dental Benefits
• Canada’s Best Managed Company for 9 years!

The US Safety & Regulatory Officer – United States provides expert safety guidance and support across U.S.-based operations, including transload, rail switching, and mechanical activities. This individual plays a key role in implementing and monitoring Cando’s Safety Management System (SMS) and must meet the requirements to serve as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) under U.S. federal regulations. This role requires engagement with employees, customers, regulatory bodies, Class 1 railways, and external agencies.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead and support the application of Cando’s corporate Safety Management System (SMS) across U.S. operations, ensuring alignment with applicable FRA programs and CFR regulations
• Perform safety audits and observations independently and in coordination with site managers to assess risk, identify gaps, and implement corrective measures
• Monitor employee compliance with FRA, OSHA, and internal Cando safety practices; initiate coaching or corrective action as appropriate
• Serve as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) under 49 CFR Parts 240 and 242; oversee engineer qualification, oversight, and compliance
• Participate in incident investigations; compile reports including causal analysis, regulatory review, and corrective actions
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external agencies including Class 1 railroads, FRA officials, and customer representatives
• Lead and assist with regulatory and customer audits; represent Cando during site visits, inspections, or inquiries
• Deliver training programs and mentor employees and supervisors in rail safety, FRA compliance, and Cando’s SMS principles
• Support continuous improvement in operational safety performance, working alongside managers in rail, mechanical, and transload operations
• Contribute to the development and rollout of U.S.-specific procedures, job aids, and field safety tools aligned with corporate systems

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Strong understanding of CFR rail safety regulations with working knowledge of FRA programs and the Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) role
• Knowledge of OSHA standards as applicable to industrial and rail settings
• Experience leading or participating in incident investigations, including regulatory reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning
• Comfortable leading field safety audits, employee coaching, and technical compliance reviews
• Familiarity with railway operating environments, including switching, transload, locomotive operations, and mechanical systems
• Clear and confident communicator, capable of presenting safety information to varied audiences and writing professional reports
• Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, with the ability to adapt to other relevant safety related software
• Personable and proactive; able to build strong working relationships across multiple teams and external agencies
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational and planning skills
• Willing and able to travel throughout the United States and Canada, currently including Washington, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky and Canadian provinces.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license, CROR certification (if required), and meet safety-critical medical standards
• Willingness to participate in furthering education to meet company needs
• Work independently within deadlines

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education (diploma or degree) in Occupational Health & Safety, Transportation, Risk Management, or a related field is an asset
• Locomotive Engineer Certification
• Completion of DSLE training and certification, or demonstrated eligibility and willingness to obtain the designation in accordance with 49 CFR 240 requirements
• Minimum five (5) years experience in a safety-focused or compliance leadership role in the rail or industrial sector
• Minimum three (3) years experience implementing or managing Safety Management Systems (SMS)/ FRA Operational Program in operational or regulatory environments
• Minimum three (3) years hands-on experience in rail operations, mechanical work, or engineering in a transportation context
• Prior experience interacting with U.S. regulators (e.g., FRA, OSHA) and contributing to audits, corrective actions, or enforcement processes

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.