7362 – Railway conductors and brakemen/women

Railway conductors co-ordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run, and assist railway conductors in activities en route. They are employed by railway transport companies.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

Brake worker – switching yard

Brakeman/woman

Brakeman/woman – railway

Brakeman/woman – railway yard

Brakeman/woman – switching yard

Conductor – railway yard

Conductor – road freight

Conductor – switching yard

Freight train brakeman/woman

Freight train conductor

Front-end brakeman/woman

Head brakeman/woman

Passenger train brakeman/woman

Passenger train conductor

Pullman conductor

Railway conductor

Road freight brakeman/woman

Sleeping car conductor

Tail-end brakeman/woman

Train conductor

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Railway conductors

Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members (except locomotive engineers) to ensure train operations are in accordance with schedule, train orders and code of operating rules

Receive train orders and explain orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members

Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information

Collect fares on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger enquiries

Prepare train run reports.

Brakemen

Check train systems and equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run

Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to aid in the movement and operation of train

Receive orders from traffic controllers, observe signals and track conditions and open and close track switches

Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as required

Assist in collecting fares and helping passengers on and off train.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is usually required.

Experience as a brakeman is required for conductors.

Experience as a railway worker is usually required for brakemen/women.

Railway conductors require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

Brakemen require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

Additional information

With experience, brakemen/women may progress to railway conductors.

With experience, railway conductors may progress to locomotive engineers.

Exclusions

Railway and yard locomotive engineers (7361)

Supervisors, railway transport operations (7304)