What Do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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. They also signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.

Other tasks include:

• Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
• Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
• 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.
• Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.

We asked Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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48% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 39% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time. They confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.

A typical day for a Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster will also include:

• Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.
• Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
• Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.
• Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
• Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.

We asked some Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	65% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	80% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	94% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	29% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	10% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	55% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters also arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops. They may also instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers’ comfort.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals. They might also Inspect each car periodically during runs.

In addition, they Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.

To some Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, it is also their responsibility to Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/transportation-and-material-moving/railroad-occupations.htm

http://www.amtrak.com/

https://www.aar.org/