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.

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

Transportation -- Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. Administration and Management -- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Public Safety and Security -- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Management of Personnel Resources -- Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Far Vision -- The ability to see details at a distance.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).