Railroad Conductor job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Railroad Conductor in details. A complete job description concludes Railroad Conductor key duties/responsibilities, Railroad Conductor job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Railroad Conductor duties:

1.      Responsible for the operation and administration of the train and assume responsibility for the freight carried on the train.

2.      Carry out switching activities, which include coupling and uncoupling railcars, getting on and off moving equipment, climbing ladders on railcars, operating switches and other track components, as well as operating remotely controlled locomotives.

3.      Switch trains in accordance to rules, regulations and clients' needs.

4.      Understand and adhere to operating and safety rules, policy procedures and regulations.

5.      Provide, prepare and receive verbal and written communication concerning the movement and placement of railcars, as well as for the operation of trains and locomotives.

6.      Observe, interpret and relay signals concerning train and locomotive movement.

7.      Operate switches, derails and other components to change locomotives and railcar routes.

8.      Inspect trains and equipment and ensure they are in proper condition for operation.

9.      Operate various devices on railcars, such as the uncoupling levers, handbrakes and bleeding rods to separate and couple railcars.

10.  Occasional lifting and carrying.

11.  Complete paperwork and interpret orders.

II. List of Railroad Conductor qualifications

1. In delivery and administration of correctional medical, dental, and mental health care recommended
2. Three years administrative, management and supervisory experience
3. Sound decision-making skills are mandatory
4. Organizational experience in operations and planning required
5. Experience in managing budgets and analyzing contracts preferred
6. Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Health Administration, Business Administration, or health related field preferred
7. 2 to 5 years of experience
8. Management Experience Required - No
9. Minimum Education - Doctoral

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.