Rail Operations Specialist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Rail Operations Specialist

Best Schools to become a Rail Operations Specialist in U.S. 2024

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, KS

In-State Tuition:$2,400
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,088
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:27%
Total Enrollment:16,497

International Air and Hospitality Academy

Vancouver, WA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:73%
Total Enrollment:133
Rail Operations Specialist Job Description:
  • Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight.
  • Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Rail Operations Specialist

Job Duties for Rail Operations Specialists

  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.

  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.

  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.

Technologies and Skills Used by Rail Operations Specialists

Expert system software

  • Electronic train management systems ETMS

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

  • Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Rail Operations Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Rail Operations Specialist

FAQs About Becoming a Rail Operations Specialist