Description
Lead and coordinate rail transportation operations and crews across yards and road service for freight and passenger trains. Plan train makeup and yard switching, align movements with schedules and dispatch, and ensure safe, efficient, and on-time service. Supervise staff, enforce operating rules and safety procedures, and manage incident response and reporting.
- • Authorize departures, speed changes, and stops via radio or digital communications.
- • Monitor dispatches and onboard or wayside systems for operational issues.
- • Direct and instruct yard and train crews in switching, coupling, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- • Maintain and verify consist, cargo, and routing records, ensuring proper car additions and removals.
- • Oversee operation of track switches and signals; operate controls when required.
- • Enforce protection and flagging procedures during emergency stops.
- • Coordinate car movements to build and break trains according to plan.
- • Align crew activities with dispatch-issued routes, timetables, and cargo requirements.
- • Review schedules, switch lists, waybills, and shipping records to plan work.
- • Confer with engineers on routes, timetables, and alternate plans for defects or obstructions.
- • Arrange setouts and removal of defective cars or equipment at stations or designated points.
- • Conduct spot inspections of cars and trains during yard and road operations.
- • Monitor yard capacity and assign tracks to accommodate inbound and outbound movements.
- • Document and report accidents, incidents, delays, and unscheduled stops.
- • Verify routing and destination information for freight cars and shipments.
- • Supervise crews delivering freight and passenger service, including boarding and onboard support.
- • Oversee pre-departure inspections and coordinate with mechanical teams to ensure safe operations.
- • Ensure accurate recording of departures, arrivals, messages, passenger accommodations, and required revenue audits.
- • Audit sealing procedures and record car numbers and seal numbers.
- • Verify timekeeping devices with crews and synchronize schedules to support on-time performance.
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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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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
