skip to Main Content

Brakeman Job Description

What does a Brakeman do?

A Brakeman is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a train. They are primarily responsible for the braking system and the safe movement of cargo and passengers. They work closely with the train conductor and the engineer to ensure that the train is properly loaded, the brakes are functioning correctly and that the train can safely travel through different types of terrain. Additionally, they are responsible for checking the freight or passenger cars, watching for signals and communicating with the rest of the train crew to ensure that the train is operating smoothly.

Our Brakeman job description includes the Brakeman responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Brakeman Example


Our Job Advertising Packages

Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!

 StarterPremiumCorporateNationalBrandedResourcer
Reed
Indeed Sponsored
Monster
Google Jobs
Glassdoor
LinkedIn Jobs
Totaljobs
Jobsite
Guardian Jobs
CV-Library
Industry boards
CV Targeting*
many more
£99£199£329£349£399£599
Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services
CV Filtering
Video Interviewing
Interview Scheduling
£799£799£929£949£999£1199

If you need an example job description for a Brakeman download the one below, alternatively we have many other Automotive job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Brakeman do?

The Brakeman is responsible for the safe operation of the train, inspecting the train and its equipment, and ensuring that all passengers and freight are loaded and unloaded safely. They must also be able to communicate clearly with other staff, passengers and customers. The Brakeman will also be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the train, and for reporting any defects that may arise. They must be able to read and interpret railway regulations and have a good knowledge of railway signalling and safety systems.

Brakeman Role Purpose

The purpose of the role of Brakeman is to be responsible for operating the brakes on a train in order to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo. This involves inspecting, testing, and maintaining the brakes and brake systems of the train as well as carrying out necessary repairs. They must also be aware of all applicable railway regulations and safety procedures.

Brakeman Role

Brakeman is a job role which involves operating the brakes on a railway train to slow it down or bring it to a stop.

Brakeman Duties

  • Carry out brake tests on vehicles
  • Check brake systems for defects
  • Repair and replace faulty brake parts
  • Conduct routine maintenance on brakes
  • Adjust brakes to meet manufacturer specifications

Brakeman Requirements

  • Excellent technical knowledge of brakes and associated systems
  • Ability to carry out routine maintenance and repairs to brakes
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work on own initiative

Brakeman Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently
  • Organisational and problem-solving skills
  • Good understanding of railway signalling and operations

Brakeman Personal Traits

  • Reliable
  • Organised
  • Trustworthy

How to write a Brakeman Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Brakeman Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Brakeman Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Brakeman Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Brakeman

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

Back To Top