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.

Other names for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters: Agent, Brakeman, Car Chaser, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Spotter, Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator), Conductor, Dispatch Manager, Dispatcher, Engineer, Freight Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Motor Boss, Operations Manager, Passenger Car Conductor, Passenger Conductor, Pullman Conductor, Railroad Conductor, Railroad Dispatcher, Road Conductor, Road Freight Conductor, Roadmaster, Sleeping Car Conductor, Supervisor, Engines, Road, Switch Operators Supervisor, Switchman Supervisor, Ticket Collector, Traffic Control Operator, Train Conductor, Train Dispatcher, Trainman, Trainmaster, Trains Dispatcher Supervisor, Transportation Supervisor, Yard Conductor, Yard Manager, Yard Pilot, Yard Supervisor, Yardmaster,

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

• Adjustable wrenches
• Lockout devices
• Dock plates
• Wire or cable cutters
• Winches
• Desktop computers
• Intercom systems
• Notebook computers
• Ratchets
• Mainframe computers
• Personal computers
• Bar code reader equipment
• Location based messaging service platforms
• Radio frequency identification devices
• Punches or nail sets or drifts
• Specialty wrenches
• Rail switching systems
• Specialty wrenches
• Tie down anchors
• Two way radios
• Radio frequency transmitters or receivers
• Rail couplers
• Truck or rail scales

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

Inventory management software

Expert system software

Office suite software

Industrial control software