The Trainmaster
While the position mostly means you will be indoors answering calls, on the radio, and directing trains this certainly doesn't mean you will never be outside in all kinds of weather doing things such as helping yard personnel or in direct contact with train personnel. As mentioned before, if you have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that a career such as a trainmaster is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is tough work and takes a dedicated breed not only to handle the physical demands required but also the mental fatigue, as working 12-hour, seven-day-a-week shifts is normal (and overtime is mandatory). While a more predictable work schedule does come with seniority, don’t expect it to happen within a short period of time. Some railroaders wait 20 years or more to land a “9 to 5” workday, which usually consists of working yard or local jobs. There is a reason why railroaders say that railroading becomes a lifestyle, its not just saying! Having said that, if you are able to hire on with a shortline (Class III) or regional (Class II) railroad the opportunity for a more predictable schedule is very likely although the pay is not quite as good.
While formal classes usually aren't required to be a trainmaster the Class I railroads do prefer those with college degrees and at least a year's experience in day-to-day operations. Having said that, I believe railroads to provide on-the-job training. For instance, here are some of the requirements one railroad expects to be a trainmaster: * Strong oral and written communications skills. Working knowledge of GCOR * Strong computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word; Excel) * Knowledge of operating-focused applications (e.g., LMS) * Knowledge of train schedules, railroad freight equipment and locomotives, the national rail network, railroad operating functions, tracks, bridges, structures, signals, Maintenance of Way * Ensures safety of terminal in which located * Coordinates with foreign line railroads * Plans interchanges * Coordinates with transportation center regarding calls of trains * Oversees departures of trains In any event, if you're interested in searching for trainmaster positions in your area please feel free to use the search box below from Indeed.com, one of the leading online career resource guides.
|
