RAIL CONDUCTERS

Job Definition:

Job Description:

• Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight train. Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location. Yardmasters coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains, yard switching, and review train schedules and switching orders.

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Answer passengers’ inquiries and announce information such as approaching train stops.
• 2) Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers.
• 3) Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
• 4) Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
• 5) Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
• 6) Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
• 7) Instruct workers to regulate air-conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars in order to ensure passengers’ comfort.
• 8) 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.
• 9) Observe lights on panelboards to monitor and chart locations of trains, and to estimate arrival times.
• 10) Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
• 11) Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
• 12) Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
• 13) Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.
• 14) Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
• 15) Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
• 16) Inspect each car periodically during runs.
• 17) Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
• 18) Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
• 19) Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
• 20) Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
• 21) Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains’ routes, timetables, and cargoes.
• 22) Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.
• 23) Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
• 24) Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.

Activities:

• 1) Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• 2) Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 3) Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 4) Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• 5) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 6) Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• 7) Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• 8) Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• 9) Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• 10) Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize,and accomplish your work.
• 11) Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• 12) Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 13) Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• 14) Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• 15) Performing Administrative Activities –Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• 16) Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 17) Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• 18) Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 19) Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• 20) Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• 21) Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• 22) Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• 23) Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• 24) Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Abilities:

• 1) Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• 2) Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• 3) Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• 4) Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• 5) Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• 6) Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• 7) Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• 8) Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• 9) Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Knowledge

• Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
• Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.