How to become a train dispatcher?

Question

Does anyone know how you can become a dispatcher working for a train company? I am already currently a licensed dispatcher for aviation, but trains fascinate me as well and it seems to be a more stable industry than aviation. It almost seems like some secret society however, as i can't usually find much information on how you get in.

Answer 1

I work for the Union Pacific RR so i can only help you regarding them.You can go to www.uprr.com to see the requirements.But basically you start at about $4600.00 and go to $5900.00 a month after a year.They are looking for people with air traffic controller experience.You would have an edge in being hired!UP has dispatching centers in Omaha,Ne,Spring,Tx and San Bernadino,Ca.On the web site go to jobs at up..then professional...then operations...then train dispatcher.It will tell you all you need to know to get started.They were looking for trainees for dispatcher just last month so go check it out.I'm sure the other class 1 railroads have similar sites also.Good luck to you

Answer 2

That's a good question. I talk to Dispatchers all day at work. There are occasionally new ones just starting. You become familiar with these people over time, but there's no chance to discuss subjects such as how they were hired. As far as I know, it's their first job with railroading. I don't believe they were promoted from with in. I think your aviation back ground would be a strong consideration on your behalf. Anyway, hang on until Rango and Hoghead can respond. I'm sure they'll have some more conclusive insight.

Answer 3

I once applied for a dispatcher's job for a local commuter rail company, so I know that they will hire people from outside the company (in other words, you don't have to work as something else before being a dispatcher).  This was with the Mass Bay Commuter Railroad, so the territory wasn't enormous or anything.  It isn't necessary to work as something else in the railroad before being a dispatcher, but in order to do that job effectively you need to know the territory and railroad rules intimately (just like you have to know FAA regs now).