Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters coordinate activities of switch-engine crews within a railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of the train crew on passenger or freight trains, and yardmasters coordinate activities of workers involved in railroad traffic operations.
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- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
What do they typically do
- Receive instructions from dispatchers about trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals
- Arrange for removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops
- Direct and instruct workers in yard activities like 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
- Receive information about train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices
- Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals
- Confer with engineers about train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions
Number of Jobs
Average Annual
Job Growth +0.2%
Job Openings 15
Education & Training
- Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.Associated Programs or MajorsLicense
Private Training Programs
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