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Occupation AtlasRailroad Conductors and Yardmasters

O*NET · 53-4031.00

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.

Also called Conductor · Freight Conductor · Freight Train Conductor · Local Freight Conductor · Passenger Conductor · Pullman Conductor · Railroad Conductor · Railway Yardmaster
11 more

Road Conductor · Road Freight Conductor · Roadmaster · Sleeping Car Conductor · Thru Freight Conductor · Train Conductor · Train Master · Trainman · Yard Conductor · Yard Spotter · Yardmaster

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.80
  • C Conventional4.87
  • E Enterprising3.77
  • I Investigative1.97
  • S Social1.85
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent86%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate8%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
Related work experience
None (70%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (41%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (38%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Monitoringbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Speakingbasic3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Time Management3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Operations Monitoring3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Operation and Control3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Persuasion3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service Orientation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Troubleshooting2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources1.90.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Programming1.50.5
  • Sciencebasic1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Equipment Maintenance1.1—
  • Equipment Selection1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

12 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.4.8
  2. Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.4.6
  3. Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.4.5
  4. Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.4.5
  5. Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.4.5
  6. Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.4.5
  7. Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.4.4
  8. Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.4.3
  9. Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.4.2
  10. Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.4.2
  11. 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.4.0
  12. Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.4.0
Show the other 8
  1. Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.4.6
  2. Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.4.3
  3. Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.4.2
  4. Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.4.0
  5. Inspect each car periodically during runs.4.0
  6. Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.3.7
  7. Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.3.6
  8. Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Transportation4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language3.52.9
  • Education and Training3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and Government3.02.6
  • Customer and Personal Service2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Mechanical2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Telecommunications2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.82.9
  • Mathematics2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Administration and Management2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Chemistry2.52.6
  • Geography2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Physics2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Administrative2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Communications and Media2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.32.7
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Engineering and Technology2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Therapy and Counseling2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Production and Processing2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sales and Marketing1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Biology1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Design1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Building and Construction1.5—
  • Food Production1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Far Vision3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Near Vision3.63.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Speech Clarity3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information Ordering3.53.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.8
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Reaction Time3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Comprehension3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Expression3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Depth Perception3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Rate Control2.92.9
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Manual Dexterity2.82.6
  • Speed of Closure2.82.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Trunk Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.8
  • Fluency of Ideas2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Response Orientation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Extent Flexibility2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Spatial Orientation2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.42.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Glare Sensitivity2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Memorization2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Peripheral Vision2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Night Vision1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound Localization1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.44.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.23.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.65.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Working with Computers3.22.7
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.02.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.8
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.72.7
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Developing and Building Teams2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Thinking Creatively2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Consequence of Error4.8
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.8
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.6
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5

Technology

14 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
  • Automated equipment identification AEI software
  • Bourque Data Systems YardMaster
  • Freight reservation software
  • Inventory tracking software
  • 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

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Locomotive Engineers
  2. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
  3. Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
  4. Subway and Streetcar Operators
  5. Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
  6. First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
  7. Air Traffic Controllers
  8. Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
  9. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
  10. Airfield Operations Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.