How do they match: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Switch Operators Supervisor
  • Switchman Supervisor
  • Railroad Conductor
  • Railroad Dispatcher

  • 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.

  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.

  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
  • Direct maintenance or repair activities.
  • Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.