Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

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Job Description: Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators spend a lot of their time Handling and Moving Objects. They are naturally good at Control Precision, Static Strength, Multilimb Coordination, and Far Vision. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators are typically characterized as being Realistic and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Mechanical, Building and Construction, and Transportation and are skilled at Operation Monitoring and Repairing.

Work Activities

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

Abilities

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

Interests

Realistic
  
Conventional
  
Enterprising
  
Investigative
  
Artistic
  
Social
  

Knowledge

Mechanical
  
Building and Construction
  
Transportation
  
Education and Training
  
Public Safety and Security
  
English Language
  
Administration and Management
  
Mathematics
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Production and Processing
  
Clerical
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Law and Government
  
Design
  
Physics
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Telecommunications
  
Psychology
  
Chemistry
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Geography
  
Communications and Media
  
Foreign Language
  
Medicine and Dentistry
  

Wages

New Mexico
$54,380  
 
Utah
$51,100  
 
Colorado
$48,370  
 
New Jersey
$47,620  
 
Arizona
$47,560  
 
California
$47,400  
 
Oregon
$47,080  
 
Delaware
$46,830  
 
Montana
$45,310  
 
Iowa
$44,890  
 
Wisconsin
$44,720  
 
North Dakota
$44,270  
 
Indiana
$44,260  
 
Illinois
$44,080  
 
Kentucky
$43,620  
 
Nebraska
$43,450  
 
Kansas
$43,450  
 
Florida
$43,430  
 
Arkansas
$42,830  
 
Missouri
$42,800  
 
Virginia
$42,330  
 
Mississippi
$41,600  
 
South Dakota
$41,400  
 
Louisiana
$41,340  
 
Pennsylvania
$41,100  
 
Wyoming
$40,200  
 
Massachusetts
$39,970  
 
Maine
$39,570  
 
Tennessee
$39,480  
 
North Carolina
$38,620  
 
Georgia
$38,580  
 
Michigan
$36,470  
 
Ohio
$35,190  
 
Vermont
$33,480  
 
Minnesota
$30,990  
 
South Carolina
$30,540  
 
Alabama
$30,430  
 

Skills

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

Work Values

Support
  
Relationships
  
Working Conditions
  
Independence
  
Achievement
  
Recognition
  

Work Styles

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

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

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

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-About half the time-

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

-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 Standing
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  

-Every day-

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

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

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

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

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

-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-

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

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

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

-Never-

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

-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-

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
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-

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

-Once a week or more but not every day-

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

-Once a year or more but not every month-

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

-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
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

- Importance Core-

Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  

- Importance Supplemental-

Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  

- Relevance of Task Core-

Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  

- Relevance of Task Supplemental-

Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
  
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
  
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
  
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
  
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
  
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
  
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
  
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
  
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
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 4 years, up to and including 10 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

None or short demonstration
  
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
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
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
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
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

Less than a High School Diploma
  
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