Will “Car Spotter” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
83% Chance of Automation
“Car Spotter” will probably be replaced by robots.
This job is ranked #459 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.
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Job Description
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Job Details
- The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4031.00
- The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 58,220.00
- The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 27.00
- Currently, there are 42,880 people on this job
☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters”.
Also Known As…
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Yardmaster
- Trainman
- Train Master
- Railroad Conductor
- Freight Conductor
- Conductor/Brakeman
- Conductor, Freight
- Conductor and Engineer
- Conductor
- Agent
- Yard Supervisor
- Yard Spotter
- Yard Pilot
- Yard Manager
- Yard Conductor
- Transportation Supervisor
- Trains Dispatcher Supervisor
- Train Dispatcher
- Train Conductor
- Traffic Control Operator
- Ticket Collector
- Test Conductor
- Switchman Supervisor
- Switch Operators Supervisor
- Supervisor, Engines, Road
- Sleeping Car Conductor
- Roadmaster
- Road Freight Conductor
- Road Conductor
- Railroad Dispatcher
- Pullman Conductor
- Passenger Conductor
- Passenger Car Conductor
- Outbound Supervisor
- Motor Boss
- Dispatch Manager
- Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator)
- Car Distributor
- Car Dispatcher
- Car Chaser
Tasks for “Car Spotter”
- Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures and record car numbers and seal numbers.
- Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort.
- Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
- Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
- Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.
- Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
- Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
- Inspect each car periodically during runs.
- Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
- Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
- Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.
- Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.
- Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
- Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
- Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
- Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
- Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
- Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
- Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers.
Related Technology & Tools
- Intercom systems
- Switching system controls
- Portable bar code scanners
- Portable satellite communications systems
- Two way radios
- Cable sheath cutters
- Uncoupling levers
- Tie-down winches
- Weigh-in-motion scales
- Starter punches
- Switch adjusting wrenches
- Radio frequency identification RFID devices
- Personal computers
- Terminal wrenches
- Ultra high frequency UHF radio communication systems
- Mainframe computers
- Desktop computers
- Locking ratchet wrenches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Automatic container locks
- Laptop computers
- Car pullers
- Bridge plates
- Bourque Data Systems YardMaster
- Positive train control PTC systems
- Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager
- Inventory tracking software
- RailComm DocYard
- Freight reservation software
- SAIC
- Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System
- Automated equipment identification AEI software
- Microsoft Office