What You'll Do

  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
  • Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.

Essential Skills

Speaking 3.75/5
Monitoring 3.75/5
Coordination 3.75/5
Critical Thinking 3.62/5
Active Listening 3.5/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.5/5
Time Management 3.5/5
Operations Monitoring 3.38/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Reading Comprehension 3.12/5
Writing 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.

Common styles

Dependability, Integrity, Attention to Detail, Self-Control, Independence

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Expression 4.0/5
Oral Comprehension 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Near Vision 3.62/5
Far Vision 3.62/5
Speech Recognition 3.62/5
Speech Clarity 3.62/5
Information Ordering 3.5/5

Technologies & Tools

Automated equipment identification AEI software Bourque Data Systems YardMaster Freight reservation software Inventory tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Positive train control PTC systems RailComm DocYard SAIC government services and IT support software Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.17/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.17/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.14/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.09/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.94/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Car Chaser Car Dispatcher Car Distributor Car Spotter Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator) Conductor Dispatch Manager Engine Supervisor Freight Conductor Freight Trainperson Motor Boss Outbound Manager Outbound Operator Outbound Supervisor Passenger Car Conductor Passenger Conductor Pullman Conductor Railroad Conductor Railroad Dispatcher Road Conductor Road Freight Conductor Road Supervisor Roadmaster Sleeping Car Conductor Switch Operators Supervisor Switchman Supervisor Test Conductor Ticket Collector Traffic Control Operator Train Conductor Train Dispatcher Train Master Trainman Trains Dispatcher Supervisor Transportation Supervisor Yard Conductor Yard Manager Yard Pilot Yard Spotter Yard Supervisor Yardmaster