A Day In The Life of Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

In this day in the life guide, you will find out:

  • What does a day as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters looks like
  • What do they do every day
  • Things they do on a weekly or monthly basis
  • How many hours do they work

The purpose of this is to give you a clear picture of this career so you can make a better career decision on whether this career is suitable for you or not.

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Typical Day for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Here is a list of tasks that Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters do every day.

  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains’ routes, timetables, and cargoes.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.

Weekly and Monthly Tasks

Here is a list of tasks that Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters do on a weekly or monthly basis.

  • Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers’ comfort.

Working Hours

  • How many hours do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters work per week? More than 40 hours per week
  • What is the work schedule like? Irregular (Changes with weather conditions, production demands or contract duration)

Work Environment

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

Learn more about Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Overview | Job Description | Salary | Requirements | Is This Career Right For Me

Related careers to Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Supervisors of Agricultural Crop and Horticultural Workers
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Ship, Boat and Barge Mates
Transit and Railroad Police

This career is also closely related to Agent, Car Chaser, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Spotter, Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator), Conductor, Conductor and Engineer, Conductor, Freight or Conductor/Brakeman.

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