Job Description Templates
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

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 of reported job titles: Conductor, Freight Conductor, Railroad Conductor, Train Master, Trainman, Yardmaster

View report: Summary  Details  Custom  My Next MoveEasy Read  My Next Move for VeteransVeterans  Mi Próximo PasoEspañol

Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

Show fewer All 21 displayed
  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains’ routes, timetables, and cargoes.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Inspect each car periodically during runs.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers.See more occupations related to this task.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Technology Skills

Show fewer All 5 displayed     Show 22 tools used
  • Expert system software — Positive train control PTC systemsSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Industrial control software — Automated equipment identification AEI software; RailComm DocYard; SAIC; Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking SystemSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Inventory management software — Inventory tracking software; Softrail AEI Rail & Road ManagerSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Bourque Data Systems YardMaster; Freight reservation softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Knowledge

Show fewer All 5 displayed
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Skills

Show fewer All 18 displayed
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.

back to top

Abilities

Show fewer All 22 displayed
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).See more occupations related to this ability.

back to top

Work Activities

Show fewer All 16 displayed
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • 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 materials.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.

back to top

Detailed Work Activities

Show fewer All 16 displayed
  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Direct emergency management activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Direct passenger or freight transport activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record operational details of travel.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitor vehicle movement or location.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Arrange maintenance activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Direct maintenance or repair activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Verify information or specifications.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare accident or incident reports.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record operational or production data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Collect fares or payment from customers.See more occupations related to this activity.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

back to top

Work Context

Show fewer All 36 displayed
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 94% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 93% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 84% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 91% responded “More than 40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 77% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 62% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 80% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 59% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Consequence of Error — 51% responded “Extremely serious.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Contaminants — 68% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 55% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 65% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 49% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 40% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 40% responded “Very important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 38% responded “Very important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 40% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 40% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 48% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 40% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 40% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 58% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 39% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 45% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 28% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 40% responded “Limited freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 42% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — 29% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 37% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Electronic Mail — 41% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 37% responded “Less than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 28% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Conflict Situations — 28% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 27% responded “Never.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 43% responded “Less than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.

back to top

Job Zone

Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
SVP Range (4.0 to < 6.0)

back to top

Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
86   High school diploma or equivalent

Help
8   Post-secondary certificate

Help
6   Associate’s degree

back to top

Credentials

Find Training Apprenticeship.gov

back to top

Interests

Show fewer All 3 displayed

Interest code: ERC   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.

back to top

Work Styles

Show fewer All 15 displayed
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.

back to top

Work Values

Show fewer All 3 displayed
  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.See more occupations related to this work value.

back to top

Related Occupations

Show fewer All 9 displayed
43-5071.00 Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
47-4061.00 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
47-4091.00 Segmental Pavers
47-5013.00 Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
53-3032.00 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Bright Outlook
53-4011.00 Locomotive Engineers
53-4013.00 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
53-4022.00 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
53-4041.00 Subway and Streetcar Operators Bright Outlook

back to top

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $30.78 hourly, $64,030 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 32,900 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Average (5% to 10%) Average (5% to 10%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 3,100
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Transportation and Warehousing
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

back to top

Job Openings on the Web

Find Jobs

back to top

Sources of Additional Information

Show fewer All 4 displayed

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • Association of American Railroads external site
  • Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen external site
  • International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Railroad workers external site

back to top


This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

© Copyright | CrowdSourceLawyers
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top