How to become A Railroad Conductor

Whether transporting cargo or passengers from one place to another, Railroad Conductors do everything in their power to ensure the journey leaves everyone smiling and satisfied with the experience.

• Train Conductor
• Railway Conductor
• Train Attendant
• Rail Conductor

What do Railroad Conductors do?

A Railroad Conductor would typically need to:

• Oversee the smooth and efficient working of the train and railroad crew and ensure all operations are in line with safety standards
• Determine the assigned train’s route, timetable, and cargo before departure in conjunction with engineers and other dispatch personnel
• Check cargo loading and unloading documentation to make sure the cargo is loaded and unloaded properly; detach or add additional train cars, as required
• Review alerts and reports on current or potential challenges to the tracks, route, or equipment
• Inspect the train carriages, doors, controls, and equipment thoroughly to confirm everything is working well and in compliance with set standards and regulations
• Assist with ticketing and passenger enquiries and complaints; greet passengers warmly; supervise their boarding and detraining
• Walk through the carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents
• Answer passenger queries about routes, arrival times and connections; announce any changes over the public address system
• Ensure passengers and crew act according to established orders, signals, and rules; deal efficiently with unforeseen delays and emergencies
• Monitor the train, cargo areas, and station; report suspicious activities and take prompt steps to ensure the safety of bystanders and passengers
• Use the onboard intercom system or hand signals to instruct the locomotive engineer about when to depart from the station, stop, or slow down
• Assist the locomotive engineer with the operation of the locomotive equipment, if necessary
• Employ the radio or telephone to communicate with other conductors, station staff, railroad engineers, yardmasters and onboard staff

Railway Conductors typically work on trains and outdoors in all weather conditions. Physically demanding work is common, and the environment may be crowded or cramped. 

Stipulated rail schedules will determine a Rail Conductor’s work hours, which usually stretch to around 35 to 40 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

You may need to be on call, report for duty with as little as 90 minutes of notice, and be prepared to be away from home for days. Regional and local trains may allow for a more regular schedule.

Research suggests that flexible hours appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Railroad Conductors can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Railroad Conductors are generally employed by: 

• Private Rail Transportation Companies
• State & Local Governments
• Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation Companies
• Support Activities for Rail Transportation Companies 

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), are crucial for Railroad Conductors interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physical strain from being on one’s feet for the better part of the work day; exhaustion from doing activities such as pushing, lifting, pulling, and climbing on the job
• Dealing with performing required tasks in all weather conditions; difficulty in visually inspecting the train and hearing warning signals in extreme weather
• Working irregular hours, evenings, and weekends; having to be away from family or house for numerous days at a time
• Being available to work on short notice, whenever necessary
• Having to work in regularly crowded or cramped trains and stations

A passenger transport onboard and station team member intermediate apprenticeship with a train-operating company offers a taste of the work. In addition, it improves one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

At least three years spent in entry-level positions, such as railroad break and switch operator, assistant conductor, ticket collector, platform assistant, station ticketing staff, and onboard customer host, can help you gather valuable hands-on experience with railroad-yard-specific language and regulations and essential transferable skills that will ease your way into a Railroad Condoctor’s role.

The experience may also help determine whether the public or private sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements and internships in diverse sectors.

Candidates chosen to be employed as Railroad Conductors will need to undergo a five- to six-week training programme. The training can happen on the job or through technical schools/community colleges.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. 

Join some groups, try some hobbies or volunteer with an interesting organisation, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experienced Railroad Conductors to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent qualification is usually sufficient to become a Railroad Conductor. However, an accredited certificate or associate degree in rail transportation or railroad operations may help you stand out from a pool of applicants. 

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee professional entry. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Certification demonstrates a Railroad Conductor’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Accredited certification in railroad conductor technology will typically include training in railway equipment, railway operations, signals, and railroad conductor responsibilities. 

Railroad authorities must formally train the candidate chosen for the position of Railroad Conductor and certify them as competent enough to reduce the rate and number of rail accidents and incidents and improve railroad safety, so that they can carry out their duties properly.

In addition, applicants will likely need a valid driver’s license. Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires passing an examination after meeting eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education and training.

Railroad Conductors may also need to undergo an employment background check including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. 

Railroad Conductors may be promoted to Senior Conductor or Train Manager. Many employees go into locomotive engineering or training programs to become Railway Drivers. 

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills.

Candidates with the necessary skills, at least three years of experience in a relevant field, and an associate degree in rail transportation or railroad operations have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Railroad Conductor build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Continue to enhance your customer service, safety, and revenue protection skills so that you can perform your duties in an exemplary manner.

Railroad Conductors keen on becoming locomotive engineers must prepare for the requisite certification that entails passing written and practical tests of desirable knowledge and skills.

More Than One Option

Railroad Conductors work as one of four kinds of professionals - road switcher conductors, road conductors, traffic coordinators, or yard conductors. 

While a road switcher conductor gathers different trains from destination bases to return them to the home terminal, a road conductor inspects goods carried by trains and ensures they reach the predetermined location as per schedule.

A traffic coordinator typically travels less and works from a terminal office. They are in charge of monitoring the smooth operation of trains as per company or government plans. 

Railroad Conductors not assigned to a train, work as yard conductors. They coordinate with other railroad workers, such as yardmasters and engineers, to resolve track- and train-related issues. They also ensure strict adherence to safety protocols. 

Current Scenario

Job opportunities for Railroad Conductors are estimated to grow at the rate of 5% until 2026. However, this will likely be challenged by a decreased demand for coal and the relevance of railroads in the transportation of gas and oil following an increase in the use of natural gas. 

The Glacier Express in Switzerland, the slowest train service in the world, covers 181 miles in 8 hours and passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.

Not many professionals need to work at odd hours on short notice come rain or shine; throw in the need to display exemplary customer service skills and excellent physical fitness, and committed Railroad Conductors are among the few that come to mind.

Build on your communication skills to convey important messages to passengers and co-workers in an effective manner.