Profession train dispatcher

Train dispatchers ensure the safe and efficient dispatch of the train services. The safety of customers is their main priority. When carrying out train dispatch duties, they check the traffic signals and communicate promptly with train drivers and conductors that it is safe for the train to pull away.

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Personality Type

Skills

  • Handle stressful situations

    Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.

  • Control train arrivals

    Monitor and control arrival of trains into train stations. Check inbound trains according to their departure station.

  • Control train departures

    Monitor and control departure of trains; prepare outbound trains with the required number of carriages and provide safety assurance.

  • Manage rail yard resources

    Manage rail yard resources in order to ensure maximum efficiency. Prepare resource usage in advance in order to limit the time trains spend in yards.

  • Shunt inbound loads

    Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains.

  • Monitor train schedules

    Ensure train schedules are followed; trains should not leave the station too late or too early. Monitor and regulate train dispatch and arrival in order to avoid trains arriving either too late or too early.

  • Shunt outbound loads

    Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.

  • Monitor conditions affecting train movement

    Monitor conditions that may influence train movements, e.g. crew availability, weather conditions, equipment operability, speed or track limitations, etc. Undertake actions to ensure and optimise train performance and safety; anticipate emergencies and unexpected situations.

Optional knowledge and skills

act reliably continuously monitor weather conditions operate railway communication systems ensure compliance with railway regulation perform services in a flexible manner liaise with colleagues use different communication channels liaise with rail experts

Source: Sisyphus ODB