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.

• Car Chaser
• Conductor, Passenger Car
• Conductor, Pullman
• Conductor, Road Freight
• Train Dispatcher
• Yard Manager

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

• answer customer or public inquiries
• collect payment
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct human or vehicle traffic
• direct passengers to designated locations
• distribute traffic control or caution signs or markers
• follow traffic laws
• follow transportation schedules
• inspect railroad equipment
• maintain records, reports, or files
• monitor railroad vehicle or equipment operation
• observe loading of freight to ensure crew compliance with procedures
• observe signal from other crewmembers
• observe signal light on switchboard
• operate track switches
• perform safety inspections in transportation setting
• prepare safety reports
• provide customer service in surface transportation
• read switching order, train orders, or arrival or departure schedules
• receive instructions from traffic control personnel
• review schedules to obtain cargo loading information
• set flares, flags, lanterns or torpedoes during emergency stops
• signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• understand railroad signals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use established traffic or transportation procedures
• use two-way radio or mobile phone
• watch for or relay traffic signals
• work as a team member