Yardmaster

Job Overview and Responsibilities 

Yardmasters are responsible for the proper makeup and prompt dispatch of trains in their assigned territory.  

Duties include, but are not limited to:  

• Direct train make-up to ensure compliance with consist requirements and yard plans.
• Safely and efficiently assign and control all train and equipment movement within the limits of the yard by remote activation of switches, signals, clearance forms and blocking devices in accordance with Metro-North operating rules.
• Enter train consist data on PC.
• Assign and coordinates consist and SMO switching activity.
• Provide protection to employees working on the right of way by removing and restoring tracks to and from service.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records related to train movements, track assignments and other events.
• Monitor radio, telephone, computer screens and other equipment for train movements, track movement and other relevant information and issues in territories controlled.
• Communicate relevant information to others clearly, effectively and according to protocol regarding train routing, track conditions and any other special circumstances.
• Maintain familiarity with train schedules, destinations and departure and arrival times.
• Coordinate track usage with the Maintenance of Way department.
• Prepare information reporting on time performance and delays of areas controlled.
• Post all relevant train information on DTOBOs, bulletin orders and register sheets.
• Manage unexpected and emergency events.
• Supervises yard employees and train crews in the yard.

Qualifications and Requirements 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Minimum of a High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). External Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:  
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a qualified Air Traffic Controller OR
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a railroad employee in a position requiring book of rules qualification OR
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a logistics manager or other position with directly related transferable skills working in a fast paced, high pressure environment OR
• Related education resulting in a Transportation degree (e.g., Associate Degree or higher in Air Traffic Control, Train Dispatch or related field). Internal Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:  
• Minimum of one (1) year of railroad experience in an Operating division craft that that requires qualifying on the “Rules of the Operating Department (Book of Rules Qualification)” and one year in your current position/union and completed all training requirements OR
• Minimum of two (2) years of railroad experience in positions that do not require the Book of Rules Qualification and one year in your current position/union and completed all training requirements. Knowledges, Skills, Abilities:  
• Skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to maintain attentiveness and evaluate a situation to make quick decisions under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; reading comprehension ability; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious.

Pay and Benefits $32.04 - $45.77