How To Get A Job On The Railroads
Those that wish to work for the railroads must be physically fit, have good communication skills and be able to work well as part of a team. They must have good manual dexterity, good eye hand coordination, good eyesight, good hearing, and good color discrimination. They must be hard-working, responsible, have mechanical aptitude, and be able to respond quickly and appropriately to any situation.
Railroad Workers work both on the trains and in the rail yards. They may work shifts as well as nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are usually based on seniority. For safety reasons, Federal regulations dictate the specific hours of rest that Railroad Workers must have when on the job.
Railroad Conductors work on both passenger and freight trains. They are responsible for passenger safety and comfort. The provide information as requested, and collect tickets and fares. On both freight and passenger trains, Railroad Conductors coordinate the activities of the crew. They review schedules, check waybills and shipping records, oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, and stay in communication with traffic controllers and other train crews through electronic monitoring. If there are any concerns regarding routes, schedules, cargo, safety, or weather, the Conductor discusses these with the Locomotive Engineer before any trip starts.
Locomotive Engineers conduct a mechanical check-up of the locomotive. They document their findings and see that any necessary adjustments are made. They review the cargo weight and distribution, the routes, track conditions and changes, and weather. The Engineer then meets with the Conductor to discuss any mutual concerns regarding such things as safety, routes or timetables. The Locomotive Engineer controls the locomotive, whether diesel or battery, by means of air brakes, and throttle. He monitors speed, air pressure, and battery voltage. Although it is the Engineer who makes any decisions on the functioning or problems related to the train and its contents, the Conductor is the one who relays this information to dispatchers and traffic controllers.
Yardmasters are responsible for coordinating all the activities within the rail yards. They oversee loading and unloading of cargo, direct movement of cars within the yard for switching to incoming or outgoing routes, and direct cars for coupling and uncoupling.
Railroad Brake Operators assist with the coupling and uncoupling of rail cars within the yard. They must work outdoors in all kinds of weather and the work is physically demanding.
Education
To begin work on the railroads, a high school diploma is required. A college education would be a decided advantage.
Applicants are required to pass a physical examination, a drug test, and a criminal background check.
Applicants, who wish to work in the rail yards, usually receive on-the-job training, once they have been hired.
Community colleges conduct formal training for Railroad Conductors. This training involves both classroom work and practical experience on-site.
Those wishing to become Locomotive Engineers often work their way up to gain experience in all aspects of railroad operation.
Formal training for Locomotive Engineers is mandatory. Training is academic as well as on a simulator and hands on. Locomotive Engineers require a Federal License to operate a train engine. Applicants are tested on both knowledge and skill. They must then pass a physical, including sight, hearing, and color discrimination, as well as a drug and background test. In order to maintain a license, Engineers must undergo regular re-training and testing.
Opportunities for work in the railroad industry are expected to continue favorably. Those with sufficient training and experience may advance to positions in management.
