Occupation information for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters District Of Columbia

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Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

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• 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.
• Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
• Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
• 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.
• 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.
• Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
• Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.

Tools:

• Adjustable wrenches
• Bar code reader equipment
• Desktop computers
• Dock plates
• Specialty wrenches

Technology:

• Electronic mail software
• Expert system software
• Industrial control software
• Inventory management software
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

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