Train dispatcher?

I local large passenger RR is hiring train dispatchers. Its actually something I've been interested in for a while now. What qualifications are required? The job posting does not mention previous dispatching experience or college education needed. I am very familiar with working in a 24-7/365 day a year industry. I am on-call now 24-7/365 for emergencies. Thanks for any info.

I don't know of any requirements needed like college. Railroads would like some railroad experience but it's not a requirement. A new hire would go through both classroom training & OJT. Most likely openings for a Train Dispatcher would be posted for both internal & external applicants. I don't anything on passenger service. My comments are only based on freight. Never know till you put in the application. Good Luck.

Thanks for the reply. I will send my app. and resume in and see what happens. Can't hurt to try, but not a huge chance I get a look but at least I tried. Thanks again for the help.

i saw the same posting, but i think it did say a requirement was knowledge of norac and other applicable rules. I thought about applying myself since i work in a dispatch job now for 10 years. Worst they can say is not qualified.

Yeah but the way I read the kinda vague posting is its a training program overall. That is the only reason why I am gonna give it a try.

well if thats the case then i'll be adding my info into the mix also.

Steve F45 wrote:well if thats the case then i'll be adding my info into the mix also.

Why not right. Can't hurt to try. Its not a job for everyone from what I can gather from friends. Its 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Weekends, holidays and nights.

matawanaberdeen wrote:

Steve F45 wrote:well if thats the case then i'll be adding my info into the mix also.

Why not right. Can't hurt to try. Its not a job for everyone from what I can gather from friends. Its 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Weekends, holidays and nights.

thats what i do now. I missed my kids 1st birthday cause of work. im used to not having things off.

Well I think you have an excellent shot. I have a 1% shot, but still am gonna try. I have no real dispatching experience, the only thing I have going for me is I work in a 365 day a year industry, I'm on-call 24-7, and I work screwy hours at times. Other than that I have no shot.

Does anyone know what kind of schedule they work? I understand its 24/7/365, but do they work shifts such as 0700-1500, 1500-2300,etc. Also how many dispatchers work per shift or at any given time?

0700-1500
1500-2300
2300-0700

Dispatchers cannot exceed more than 10 hours on duty per shift and require 16 hours off between shifts.

I am returning to the Harriman (Union Pacific) next month after a breif hiatus.
Per federal law a dispatcher in a multiple shift office can only work 9 hours per 24 hour period and must have 15 hours off between shifts

I believe when a railroad has 2 or more shifts a dispatcher is limited to 9 hours, and 12 hours where there is only 1 shift under the Hours of Service law.

mvb119 wrote:I believe when a railroad has 2 or more shifts a dispatcher is limited to 9 hours, and 12 hours where there is only 1 shift under the Hours of Service law.

I thought it was 9 also.

Great Lakes CSX is 630 to 1430, 1430 to 2230 and 2230 to 0630. For FRA HOS It's a maximum of 9 hours on during a 24 hour period.