Chief conductor
Also known as: train conductors supervisor, train crew supervisor, chief guard, chief train conductor, conductor crew supervisor, train chief conductor
About this occupation
Chief conductors are responsible for the safe performance of all operational tasks on board of passenger trains outside the drivers cab, such as supervising safe opening and closing of the train's doors. They supervise and ensure the continuous care for the safety of passengers, especially in the case of technical incidents and emergency situations. They ensure the operational communication to the driver and to traffic control staff as defined in operational regulations. In case of several staff members attending the train, they supervise the team of conductors. They also provide commercial activities such as ticket control and selling, and provide support and information to passengers, and provide gastronomic services.
Essential skills and knowledge
- speak different languages
- tramway regulations
- check tickets throughout carriages
- answer questions about the train transport service
- assist passengers in emergency situations
- communicate reports provided by passengers
- control the opening and closing of train doors
- sell train tickets
- operate electronic payment terminals
- check carriages
- communicate clearly with passengers
- communicate with customers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (O*NET 53-4031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
- Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
- Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
- Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
- Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Speaking, Monitoring, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$78,000 a year (2025), 46,440 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Locomotive Engineers
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
- Subway and Streetcar Operators
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Airfield Operations Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.