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O*NET-SOC 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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.Core10690
  2. Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.Core10699
  3. Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.Supplemental10695
  4. Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.Core10691
  5. Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.Core10697
  6. Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.Core10692
  7. Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.Core10694
  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.Core10693
  9. Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.Supplemental10702
  10. Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.Core10700
  11. Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.Core10696
  12. Inspect each car periodically during runs.Core10701
  13. Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.Supplemental10706
  14. Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.Core10698
  15. Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.Core10704
  16. Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.Supplemental10705
  17. Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.Core10710
  18. Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.Core10703
  19. Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.Supplemental10707
  20. Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.Supplemental10708

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 14 examples in 9 categories, 5 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Industrial control software

  • Automated equipment identification AEI software
  • RailComm DocYard
  • SAIC government services and IT support software
  • Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Bourque Data Systems YardMaster
  • Freight reservation software

Inventory management software

  • Inventory tracking software
  • Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Expert system software

  • Positive train control PTC systems

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor vehicle movement or location.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Processing Information

  • Verify information or specifications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

  • Arrange maintenance activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

  • Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Record operational details of travel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Record operational or production data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare accident or incident reports.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Direct maintenance or repair activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Direct emergency management activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 15
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.