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.
41 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters: $74,080 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | Management |
| Direct emergency management activities. | Management |
| Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement. | Management |
| Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments. | General |
| Direct passenger or freight transport activities. | General |
| Record operational details of travel. | General |
| Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic. | General |
| Arrange maintenance activities. | General |
| Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. | General |
| Prepare accident or incident reports. | General |
| Direct maintenance or repair activities. | General |
| Record operational or production data. | General |
| Verify information or specifications. | General |
| Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures. | Maintenance |
| Monitor vehicle movement or location. | Maintenance |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Automated equipment identification AEI software | Industrial control software |
| Bourque Data Systems YardMaster | Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software |
| Freight reservation software | Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software |
| Positive train control PTC systems | Expert system software |
| RailComm DocYard | Industrial control software |
| SAIC government services and IT support software | Industrial control software |
| Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System | Industrial control software |
| Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager | Inventory management software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor Certification | United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) | Not Available |