MightyRecruiterYou can hit all the important points in a great railroad conductor job description by starting with common job duties. Railroad conductors are responsible for verifying passenger tickets and providing assistance when needed. They also supervise all train staff members and ensure the ride is safe and follows regulations.
It’s common for rail companies to require a high school diploma from candidates. Conductors also need to complete several months of training for the job. Many companies provide training for candidates. Usually, they need to be certified to work in this role as well.
Railroad conductors are also required to have good customer service skills since they work with people. Excellent decision-making ability and great communication skills also make a conductor effective. Learn more about the top qualities in this railroad conductor job description template below.
Railroad Conductor Job Summary
Looking to take your job prospects in a new direction in a field that could take you to new places? If you are, consider becoming our next railroad conductor for our passenger trains. This exciting role is perfect for a person who seeks a position that could lead to advancement as a train engineer. You will be responsible for helping passengers get to destinations all over the East Coast, and you also must work to provide a safe and orderly environment onboard our trains. We provide the training, so you don’t need to have any experience in the railroad industry, just a willingness to learn!
Job Responsibilities
- Communicate with the train engineer using an intercom system or signals to depart from the train station, to come to a stop or to slow down
- Plan the train’s route ahead of time and make adjustments with the train engineer when there are problems, such as severe weather or construction
- Monitor the electronic radio system for messages from dispatchers regarding the train route, scheduling delays or other issues ahead
- Review passenger ticket documentation and pursue payment from passengers without a ticket or make a referral to the authorities for unauthorized people onboard
- Record information into a computer database about the destination, cargo contents or passenger manifesto while onboard each train
- Assist engineers with changing the train configuration, adding additional cars and adjusting the train’s length for the purpose of the journey
- Ensure all safety regulations are followed onboard and with the train’s records and provide assistance to passengers during evacuation or other emergency procedures
- Prepare reports about any irregular activities during trips, such as accidents, incidents or major changes to the schedule
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Possession of a high school diploma
- Ability to obtain a railroad conductor certification
- Sharp decision-making skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication ability
Preferred:
- Some experience working in trains or transportation
- Understanding of the rules and regulations in the industry
- Desire to advance further into the field
Railroad Conductor Job Responsibilities
One of the most important areas of your railroad conductor job description is the job responsibilities section. On top of being what initially draws in jobseekers, it’s also their first impression of the daily duties you may expect them to perform. Because of this section’s important role in the success of your document, it’s critical that you write it in clear and concise language to prevent any confusion on the jobseeker’s part.
It’s good practice to format this section with bullets rather than a large wall of text. A bulleted format is a great way to streamline large pieces of text into something easy to read. It’s also important to keep the points to a minimum of four and a maximum of eight, and begin each one with a strong verb to help jobseekers visualize themselves in the position. Lastly, while you should write this section of your railroad conductor job description thoroughly, don’t make it exhaustive. Avoid including any secondary tasks and focus instead on the core responsibilities that will take up most of the employee’s time in the position.
Here are some railroad conductor job responsibilities for you to examine:
- Inspect each car regularly between runs
- Confer with engineers regarding routes, cargoes, and timetables, and keep record of all relevant information
- Signal engineers to reduce speed or begin runs using telecommunications equipment or hand signals
- Confirm destination information and routes
Railroad Conductor Job Specifications
The job qualifications and skills section may be the smallest section of your railroad conductor job description, but it’s no less important than the others. Don’t make the critical mistake of underestimating what it can do for you and for applicants. When done right, jobseekers reading this section will have an easier time determining their eligibility for the position and will be much less likely to apply if they aren’t. This allows you to avoid having to weed through endless resumes from unqualified candidates.
Ensure that this section lists the minimum requirements for applicants, such as academic credentials and relevant work experience. Separate all deal-breakers from preferred skills on the posting to make the standards unmistakably clear. For guidance, schedule an appointment with your senior leadership to discuss their ideas for applicant qualifications. This will give you a clear path to follow when crafting your railroad conductor job description.
Refer to the following railroad conductor job specifications as you get started on writing your own listing:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 3 years’ experience in trainyard work
- Firm knowledge of train and station safety standards and procedures
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Good interpersonal communication skills, particularly written and oral
