Locomotive Firers

Job Description: Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.

Locomotive Firers spend a lot of their time Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment. They are naturally good at Far Vision, Reaction Time, Oral Comprehension, and Response Orientation. Locomotive Firers are typically characterized as being Realistic and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Mechanical, Transportation, and Public Safety and Security and are skilled at Operation and Control and Operation Monitoring.

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Work Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Getting Information
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Handling and Moving Objects
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Processing Information
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  

Abilities

Far Vision
  
Reaction Time
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Response Orientation
  
Selective Attention
  
Control Precision
  
Near Vision
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Rate Control
  
Depth Perception
  
Oral Expression
  
Multilimb Coordination
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Manual Dexterity
  
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Auditory Attention
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Information Ordering
  
Time Sharing
  
Extent Flexibility
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Speech Clarity
  
Written Comprehension
  
Visualization
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Glare Sensitivity
  
Written Expression
  
Speech Recognition
  
Category Flexibility
  
Trunk Strength
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Gross Body Equilibrium
  
Gross Body Coordination
  
Peripheral Vision
  
Sound Localization
  
Night Vision
  
Spatial Orientation
  
Originality
  
Stamina
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Speed of Closure
  
Static Strength
  
Speed of Limb Movement
  
Wrist-Finger Speed
  
Memorization
  
Dynamic Strength
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Number Facility
  

Interests

Realistic
  
Conventional
  
Investigative
  
Enterprising
  
Social
  
Artistic
  

Knowledge

Mechanical
  
Transportation
  
Public Safety and Security
  
English Language
  
Physics
  
Law and Government
  
Geography
  
Education and Training
  
Psychology
  
Mathematics
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Communications and Media
  
Telecommunications
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Clerical
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Chemistry
  
Administration and Management
  
Medicine and Dentistry
  
History and Archeology
  

Wages

Texas
$44,580  
 
Pennsylvania
$39,080  
 

Skills

Operation and Control
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Troubleshooting
  
Monitoring
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Reading Comprehension
  
Active Listening
  
Critical Thinking
  
Coordination
  
Repairing
  
Time Management
  
Writing
  
Equipment Maintenance
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Speaking
  
Active Learning
  
Learning Strategies
  
Service Orientation
  
Instructing
  
Persuasion
  
Negotiation
  
Equipment Selection
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Mathematics
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Systems Analysis
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Management of Financial Resources
  

Work Values

Support
  
Working Conditions
  
Relationships
  
Independence
  
Achievement
  
Recognition
  

Work Styles

Dependability
  
Attention to Detail
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Independence
  
Integrity
  
Self Control
  
Cooperation
  
Initiative
  
Persistence
  
Analytical Thinking
  
Leadership
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Concern for Others
  
Innovation
  
Social Orientation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Telephone
  
Contact With Others
  
Consequence of Error
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Letters and Memos
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Physical Proximity
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Level of Competition
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Spend Time Standing
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Degree of Automation
  
Work Schedules
  
Electronic Mail
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Exposed to Radiation
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Sitting
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  

-Every day-

Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Time Pressure
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Letters and Memos
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Public Speaking
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Sitting
  

-Limited freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  

-Never-

Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Public Speaking
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Time Pressure
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Telephone
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Electronic Mail
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Letters and Memos
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Telephone
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Letters and Memos
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Letters and Memos
  
Time Pressure
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Public Speaking
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Telephone
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
  
Some College Courses