Description
Lead and coordinate operations on passenger or freight trains, directing crew activities, ensuring safe movement and rule compliance, communicating with dispatchers and engineers, overseeing onboard service, and maintaining accurate records of train consist, tickets, incidents, and schedules.
- • Signal the engineer to start, stop, or adjust speed using radio or hand signals.
- • Receive and relay instructions from dispatchers on routes, timetables, and work events.
- • Direct train crew in switching moves, coupling and uncoupling, and securing cars.
- • Maintain consist, car contents, and destination records; ensure setouts and pickups at proper locations.
- • Operate hand-thrown switches and derails safely when authorized for train movements.
- • Provide or direct protection during emergency stops using flags, fusees, or other warning devices.
- • Instruct the engineer to position cars to build, break up, or reconfigure the train as planned.
- • Review schedules, work orders, waybills, and shipping records to plan loading, unloading, and switching.
- • Coordinate with the engineer regarding routes, slow orders, and alternative plans for obstructions or defects.
- • Arrange removal or bad-ordering of defective cars at stations or sidings.
- • Inspect the train and cars as required before departure and en route; verify securement and seals when applicable.
- • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars and any special handling requirements.
- • Document accidents, unscheduled stops, incidents, and delays; complete required reports.
- • Record departure and arrival times, communications, tickets and revenue, and passenger accommodations.
- • Oversee passenger service and crew activities to ensure safety, customer service, and rule compliance.
- • Coordinate brake tests and safety checks; report defects to mechanical personnel.
- • Verify timepieces and synchronize schedules with the engineer to meet departure times.
- • Monitor train status via radio and onboard systems; report track or equipment problems promptly.
- • Ensure compliance with operating rules, signal indications, and hazardous materials documentation.
- • Communicate with other trains and roadway workers to protect movements through work zones.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
