train dispatcher

Who are they and what do they do? The train dispatcher is responsible for the safe operation of railway trains within the area of the given railway station, or possibly within a given section of the track.

What are the activities of the job? Ensure regular and faultless operation in the assigned area - giving signals to the engine driver that his/her train may leave the station, or pass through without stopping - directing and controlling shunting and other activities involved in putting carriages and/or trucks together to form individual trains, with full responsibility for completing the tasks of the work-shift - in stations with more extensive operations, operating the control panels of the relay safety system or other and technologies pertaining to the operation, including possible computer controlled safety and operation systems. If the traffic intensity is low, or in case of emergency, the train dispatcher can also deputise for other staff (provided s/he is appropriately qualified, which usually is the case). This can be, for instance, as a shunter, signaller, switch operator, signal box controller, at the ticket office, dealing with the collection and issue of luggage or express goods, possibly also as a conductor or chief conductor on trains.

Where is it done and under what conditions? In railway stations, where the environment can be noisy, and working in shifts is common.

What tools/equipment do they use? Mainly signalling equipment and the instruments and control levers or panels of safety systems.

What do you need to succeed? You need to have passed out successfully from a special school for railway studies (at university level), a course for train dispatchers, and be reliable, precise, have fast responses and the ability to make quick judgements.