This information provides a summary (not an exhaustive list) of the duties of a conductor. The list is helpful in evaluating a person’s physical capability to perform all of the necessary duties required of a conductor. Rule 886. The General direction and government of a train is vested in the conductor. All other persons employed on the train must obey his or her instructions except when such instruction imperils the safety of the train, persons, or involves violating a rule:

1. Conductors must be able to bend to ground level to operate lever controlled track switches to change the route of the engine or cars within yards or on the road.

2. He or she operates the uncoupling lever to separate cars and aligns the coupling assembly to couple cars; steps/reaches between cars near ground level to couple 2” air brake hoses within yards or on the road.

3. The employee shall get on and off trains by hanging onto grab irons or car ladders, be able to set or release hand brakes, and ride cars in the same manner while performing industrial, station, or yard switching movements.

4. Conductors are required to distinguish color displays by signal, informational signs, lights, flags, reflector devices, and colored placards.

5. The employee must read and understand the safety and operating rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other printed materials.

6. A conductor provides and receives oral information in person, by telephone, or radio. He or she must recognize audible signals and warnings such as engine whistles, bells, sirens, exploding torpedoes, and other unusual warning sounds and noises such as derailed cars and escaping air from leaking air train brake lines.

7. When necessary, conductors inspect the condition of the train and equipment. This might involve walking the length of the train to distances more than a mile over uneven terrain.

8. The employee might be required to make minor repairs to the train in the absence of a freight car repairer. These duties may include using a wrench to change out a broken air hose or replace an 82-pound knuckle.

9. They must fill out forms such as switch lists, payroll trip sheets, and other forms. Conductors must keypunch payroll trip sheets to the payroll department.

10. Conductors shall assist in re-railing derailed cars.

11. He or she must anticipate working when senior employees choose not to work (i.e. long road trips, nights, holidays, weekends, etc.)

12. Conductors are required to work shifts, holidays, nights, and in harsh weather conditions.

13. Employees must be able to report to work within two hours of notification.

14. A conductor might be pulled away from home for several days at a time. He or she may only be home long enough to receive rest before being called out again.

15. He or she shall be fully rested when reporting to work, even if it means resting when family members are not. Conductors are subject to relocation within their seniority district. It is very difficult to transfer outside the assigned seniority district.

16. Conductors face mandatory transfer to Locomotive Engineer based on seniority. You will retain your seniority as a conductor and will return to the conductor craft if there is a reduction to the number of engineers needed at a location.