How do they match: 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.

  • Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort.
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
  • Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.

  • Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.