National

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

Sample of reported job titles: Conductor, Engineer, Railroad Conductor, Yardmaster, Dispatcher, Agent, Brakeman, Freight Conductor, Trainman, Operations Manager

Tasks

• Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
• Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
• Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound 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.
• Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
• Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
• Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
• Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
• Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
• Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Technology used in this occupation:

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