How do they match: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Car Chaser
  • Car Dispatcher
  • Car Distributor
  • Car Spotter
  • Centralized Traffic Control Operator
  • CTC Operator
  • Outbound Operator
  • Passenger Car Conductor
  • Sleeping Car Conductor
  • Switch Operators Supervisor
  • Traffic Control Operator

  • 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.

  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
  • Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
  • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • 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.
  • Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
  • Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort.
  • 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.
  • Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.

  • Record operational details of travel.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.