Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Careers / Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Summary Description


	Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agent

2.	Car Chaser

3.	Car Dispatcher

4.	Car Distributor

5.	Car Spotter

6.	Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator)

7.	Conductor

8.	Conductor and Engineer

9.	Conductor, Freight

10.	Conductor/Brakeman

11.	Dispatch Manager

12.	Freight Conductor

13.	Motor Boss

14.	Outbound Supervisor

15.	Passenger Car Conductor

16.	Passenger Conductor

17.	Pullman Conductor

18.	Railroad Conductor

19.	Railroad Dispatcher

20.	Road Conductor

21.	Road Freight Conductor

22.	Roadmaster

23.	Sleeping Car Conductor

24.	Supervisor, Engines, Road

25.	Switch Operators Supervisor

26.	Switchman Supervisor

27.	Test Conductor

28.	Ticket Collector

29.	Traffic Control Operator

30.	Train Conductor

31.	Train Dispatcher

32.	Train Master

33.	Trainman

34.	Trains Dispatcher Supervisor

35.	Transportation Supervisor

36.	Yard Conductor

37.	Yard Manager

38.	Yard Pilot

39.	Yard Spotter

40.	Yard Supervisor

41.	Yardmaster

Job Tasks

	Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops. Direct emergency management activities.

	Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic. Direct passenger or freight transport activities.

	Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals. Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.

	Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes. Record operational details of travel.

	Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic. Monitor vehicle movement or location.

	Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops. Arrange maintenance activities.

	Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains. Direct passenger or freight transport activities.

	Inspect each car periodically during runs. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation. Direct maintenance or repair activities.

	Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work. Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.

	Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars. Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.

	Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers. Direct passenger or freight transport activities.

	Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time. Verify information or specifications.

	Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays. Prepare accident or incident reports.

	Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations. Record operational details of travel.

	Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures and record car numbers and seal numbers. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. Record operational or production data.

	Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers. Collect fares or payment from customers.

	Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort. Direct passenger or freight transport activities.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Nearly all locomotive engineers; conductors and yardmasters; and brake, signal, and switch operators work in the rail transportation industry. Rail yard engineers work in rail transportation and also support activities for rail.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

The average American household spends more on transportation than on food.

Did you know...

You can purchase group licenses to MyPlan.com assessment tests for schools and businesses at steeply discounted prices.