Railroad Conductors coordinate the activities of a train crew. They are responsible for making sure the train arrives and departs on schedule and that the correct cars make up the train. Railroad Conductors manage train crews on all three types of train service, passenger, freight, and yard.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Railroad Conductors may:

Coordinate activities of the train crew

Inform the crew members of the time schedule, the travel route, and any last minute changes

Signal the engineer to start the train moving

Record arrival and departure times of the train at all stops

Inform workers of the need to set warning signals during emergency stops

Prepare reports to explain any accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays

Receive regular reports from the brake operators on the condition of the cars

Verify that the correct cars are assembled into a train by comparing each car number with its seal number

Assist passengers to board or exit from the train

Answer passenger questions or solve passenger problems

Collect tickets, passes or fares from the passengers

Announce the location of train stations and terminals as they are approached

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Railroad Conductors may specialize in these areas:

198.167-010 PASSENGER CAR CONDUCTORS coordinate the activities of a passenger train crew.

198.167-018 ROAD FREIGHT CONDUCTORS coordinate the activities of a freight train crew.

910.367-026 PASSENGER REPRESENTATIVES, under the direction of the Passenger Car Conductor, assist or relieve the Conductor of some of his/her responsibilities towards the passengers. They may collect tickets from passengers in designated cars and answer any passenger questions. They may also investigate passenger complaints.

198.167-014 PULLMAN CONDUCTORS coordinate the activities of workers engaged in providing services to passengers of railroad sleeping and lounge cars during a train trip. They also supervise workers providing meal services.

910.137-022 YARD CONDUCTORS coordinate the activities of the switch engine crew who switch railroad cars within the railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate loading and unloading of cars or making up and breaking up of trains. In yards that have automatic classification systems, they may use electrical controls to operate the track switches that route cars to the correct track. They may also keep records on the number and destination of cars switched.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Railroad Conductors coordinate activities of train crews on the road or in rail yards. They receive instructions from the dispatcher or the yardmaster.

They work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Those on passenger trains work in well lighted and well ventilated rail cars, while Conductors working on freight trains work in a caboose where there is a lot of noise and vibration.

Most beginning Conductors are placed on the "extra board" list, meaning they are on call when an experienced Conductor is absent.

Yard Conductors work a straight 5-day, 40-hour week. Passenger and Freight Conductors usually work a 40-hour week, but their work schedules are determined by the train routes. A Conductor's run may begin at any hour of the day. Since Conductors may travel hundreds of miles on a train, they may not work the same run each day and may have to spend several nights a week away from home.

A Conductor's regular workweek may include Saturday, Sunday, or holidays without premium pay. Depending on seniority, some may choose their schedules and the amount of overtime worked. According to Federal Regulations, however, Conductors may not work more than 12 hours per day.

Conductors working on passenger trains must wear a uniform. The employer usually pays 50% of the cost of the uniform with the worker paying the rest. Conductors are required to buy a watch that meets railroad standards.

Many Conductors are members of the United Transportation Union and pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working both indoors and outdoors

• Working with and helping people

• Performing activities related to processes, machines, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Use logical step-by-step procedures to complete tasks

• Analyze and solve problems based upon accurate information

• Perform a variety of duties which change often

• Follow written or oral orders

• Direct and control the activities of others

• Deal with passengers and other workers

• Express yourself clearly when talking

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a train is traveling at 50 miles per hour and its destination is 200 miles away, how long will it take to get there?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Work then involves moving an object through a distance. A force may be applied but if there is no motion, then no work is done.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation of any delays that may have occurred during the day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to foresee delays that might occur and then figure out ways to prevent as many as possible.

To be considered eligible for promotion to a Conductor position, the applicant must be an experienced (usually 10-12 years) brake operator who has passed tests covering railroad signals, timetables, operating rules, and related subjects. However, seniority is the main factor in determining promotion from brake operator to Conductor.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

  E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Individuals may observe Conductors at work through part-time or summer work with a railroad company.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Railroad Conductor employer

internships

volunteer work with a Railroad Conductor employer

community service work with an agency

Railroad Conductors obtain their positions after working for several years in other railroad occupations. Entry level positions as railroad workers are obtained by applying directly to railroad companies. Your school placement office or a local office of Michigan Works! might be able to help you find a job. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank  

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Daily wage rates for Railroad Conductors depend on the type of service (passenger, freight, or yard), number of cars in the train, and the number of hours worked and miles traveled.

Nationally, in 1998, annual earnings of Railroad Conductors and yardmasters ranged from about $20,800 to $62,399. Their median annual earnings were $46,384.

In Michigan and nationally, Railroad Conductors earned the following average annual wages in 1998:

Wages for passenger and freight service Conductors are determined using two factors. They are guaranteed a minimum daily wage plus an additional amount for daily travel exceeding 100 or 150 miles, depending on the type of train. When required, overtime is paid at one-and-a-half times the Conductor's normal rate.

Most Conductors receive paid vacations and holidays, medical and dental insurance, and a retirement plan. They may also be reimbursed for jury duty and time required for funerals. Conductors also receive lodging and, in some cases, meal allowances when away from their home station overnight.

To advance, Conductors must have the required seniority, which is determined by each railroad, and pass oral and written tests. Advancement to trainmaster or yardmaster depends mostly on seniority with ability also considered.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 25,300 Railroad Conductors were employed in 1996. Employment of Railroad Conductors is expected to decline through the year 2006. Some openings are still expected each year to replace some of the Conductors who retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. Transportation needs should increase as population and industry grow, but employment of Conductors will decrease because of technical innovations and fewer passengers traveling by train.

About 325 Railroad Conductors are employed in Michigan. Almost all Conductors worked in the railroad transportation industry.

Employment of Railroad Conductors in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. Although some openings are expected each year to replace conductors who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons, most of these will be filled by workers who have been laid off. Some additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

The total number of Conductors will decrease in Michigan because of improved equipment and automation in the railroad industry. These improvements include larger boxcars, longer trains, and central traffic control systems, which allow railroads to move more freight faster with fewer trains and personnel. These improvements, along with reductions in government subsidies, will lead to decreases in employment of Conductors.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Railroad Conductor can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development