Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

• 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.
• Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
• 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.
• Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
• Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
• Inspect each car periodically during runs.
• Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
• Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
• Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.
• Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• 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.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters.