Train Conductors and Yardmasters

Career summary

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Conductors work on trains. Yardmasters move trains in rail yards.

Conductors

Conductors work on both passenger and freight trains. They determine what they are transporting and where it is going. They discuss the route and timetable with the engineer. They supervise the train crew. On passenger trains, they:

• Check passenger’s tickets
• Announce stations
• Help passengers
• Direct staff that provide boarding, maid, porter, and meal services to customers
• Oversee loading and unloading of luggage

On freight trains conductors oversee the loading and unloading of cargo.

Yardmasters

Yardmasters oversee the work in the rail yard. They make sure rail cars are connected properly and that they contain the correct material when they leave the rail yard. Yardmasters also:

• Review schedules and shipping records
• Operate freight cars that use remote locomotive technology
• Inspect cars to make sure they are sealed properly
• Remove defective cars from the yard
• Break up and put together train cars according to schedule

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Locomotive Engineers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
• Ship Captains and Mates
• Ship Pilots
• Storage and Transportation Managers
• Subway and Streetcar Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to train conductors and yardmasters.

• Verify time with engineer to ensure departure follows timetable schedules.
• Review schedules, switching orders, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information.
• Coordinate crew activities.
• Signal engineer to begin train run, stop train, or change speed.
• Confer with traffic control staff and engineer to give and receive instructions.
• Supervise workers who inspect and maintain mechanical equipment.
• Inspect sealing procedures of freight cars, record car and seal number, and confirm route and destination of car.
• Monitor and chart train movements to estimate arrival times into station or yard.
• Direct staff in the yard to switch track, change traffic signals, and couple or uncouple trains. May make these changes themselves.
• Observe track to make decisions about how to accommodate incoming and outgoing trains.
• Document any changes or problems on train or in transport.
• Observe and communicate with passengers. Resolve problems to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Collect fares and answer questions from passengers.
• Keep records of train car contents.

Common work activities

Train conductors and yardmasters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Control machines and processes
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Use computers
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, train conductors and yardmasters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of contact with people. They frequently talk to passengers or railroad staff.
• Communicate on a daily basis by telephone and face-to-face discussions. Occasionally they write e-mails, letters, and memos.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of their staff and passengers.
• Are moderately responsible for the work done by their staff.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors. Conductors may go outside at train stops, but otherwise are inside the train. Technology is decreasing the amount of time yardmasters work outside, but they still spend a considerable amount of time outdoors.
• Are exposed to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable on a daily basis.
• Regularly wear safety attire, such as hard hats.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are regularly exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, situations, and conditions.
• May be exposed to very bright or dim lighting.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform.
• May share work space with others.
• Sometimes are exposed to whole body vibration.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could seriously endanger their staff, passengers, and property.
• Must keep pace with the speed of the equipment.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Often make decisions that strongly impact passengers and other conductors. They often seek input from other rail workers, but also act independently at times.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals by themselves, but often seek input from others first.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work nights, weekends, and holidays, since trains travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• May work multiple shifts in one day. Choice of shift comes with seniority.
• May work odd hours and on short notice when working on freight trains. Passenger train staff work on a schedule.
• May spend time away from home.

Physical demands

Train conductors and yardmasters frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for train conductors and yardmasters to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for train conductors and yardmasters to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Train conductors and yardmasters need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Operations Management

Training

To work as a train conductor or yardmaster, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some conductors and yardmasters attend formal training programs. About 15 colleges in the United States and Canada offer railroad operations degrees. Some schools offer specific training for conductors or dispatchers. Others are more general and prepare you for an entry-level position in the railroad industry. You may pursue a certificate or an associate degree. The associate degree is a two-year program. Certificate programs take from 14 weeks to a year. Conductor courses include railroad operations, safety, and operating rules. They also include writing and communication courses. Dispatcher training covers monitoring traffic, using computer systems, and planning methods. These programs are a joint effort between major railroads and community colleges.

You may prepare for dispatcher positions by obtaining a four-year degree at a university. Programs of study may include logistics, transportation, or engineering classes. Other options include business administration or economics classes.

Work experience

Many railroad employees start as yard laborers and help add and remove cars from trains. With experience and some road assignments, you may move into a brake operator position. This job requires training and classroom instruction. Classroom instruction requires passing tests on signaling, coupling and uncoupling cars, throwing switches, and boarding moving trains. Once you pass these tests, you may advance to conductor positions. Seniority is another factor which allows you to move up to conductor.

On-the-job training

Most train conductors and yardmasters learn their skills through on-the-job training. This training lasts up to one year.

Continuing education is important for yardmasters as the industry continues to change. Courses in computers are very helpful to keep up with the changes. Some unions and employers offer courses to keep members up to date.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Applicants for entry-level jobs must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also have good hearing, eyesight, and color vision. They must be able to read the colors of signals to understand train communications. They also need good hand-eye coordination, flexibility in movement, and mechanical aptitude. Applicants must pass a physical exam and drug/alcohol test. Train workers are tested for drugs or alcohol on a regular basis throughout their employment.

Railroads provide training that covers signals, timetables, air brakes, operating rules, and other subjects. Before advancing into conductor jobs, trainees must pass tests on these subjects. Some companies require employees to pass these tests within the first two years of their employment.

Employers hiring dispatchers may look for someone with a college degree. They may also look for experience in supervision, the transportation industry, or the military.

Newly-trained brake operators or conductors are placed on the "extra board" until a full-time position is available. This is similar to being a substitute teacher. When someone is absent because of an illness or vacation, the railroad calls in an "extra." Some conductors may extra as brake operators, if that is where workers are needed. Some extra workers must wait years to gain enough seniority to obtain their own assignment.

Costs to workers

Most workers belong to the United Transportation Union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Many conductors and yardmasters work more than 40 hours a week. When they work overtime they earn time and a half. Thus, the wages reported here may be lower than what workers actually earn. On the other hand, employees on the "extra" list may not be called to work as frequently as more experienced workers. Fewer work days would result in lower monthly wages.

Earnings also vary by how many years the person has been working for the company. Railroad workers are union members, so their wages are based on a set schedule of increases. Other factors that affect their pay are the difficulty of the route and the number of cars they manage.

Railroad workers usually receive benefits. These benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Railroad companies

National outlook

Demand for most railroad occupations is expected to show little to no change. Fewer people travel by train and more freight shipping is being done by long-haul trucks. As trains become more productive by pulling more cars or double loads of freight, fewer engineers are required.

Job openings will occur to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations.

Other resources

Association of American Railroads 
425 Third Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
202.639.2100

National Railroad Passenger Corporation 

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union 
1750 New York Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
800.457.7694
202.662.0800

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (53-4031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Car Chaser (910.167-010) 
• Conductor, Passenger Car (198.167-010) 
• Conductor, Pullman (198.167-014) 
• Conductor, Road Freight (198.167-018) 
• Train Dispatcher (184.167-262) 
• Yard Manager (184.167-278) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled