- Description
- Work Activities
- Abilities
- Interests
- Knowledge
- Wages
- Skills
- Work Values
- Work Styles
- Related Degrees
- Work Context
- Task Ratings
- Education
Job Description: Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators spend a lot of their time Performing General Physical Activities. They are naturally good at Far Vision, Extent Flexibility, Control Precision, and Auditory Attention. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators are typically characterized as being Realistic and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Transportation, Public Safety and Security, and Mechanical and are skilled at Operation and Control and Operation Monitoring.
Does this career sound like a good fit for you? If so, the next step may be to finish your education. There are many online and oncampus degrees offered in:
Universities.com can help you find the right school to start you on a path to your dream job.
Work Activities
Performing General Physical Activities
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Handling and Moving Objects
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Getting Information
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Controlling Machines and Processes
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Documenting/Recording Information
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Processing Information
Coaching and Developing Others
Training and Teaching Others
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Scheduling Work and Activities
Thinking Creatively
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Analyzing Data or Information
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Developing and Building Teams
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
Assisting and Caring for Others
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
Interacting With Computers
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Performing Administrative Activities
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Abilities
Far Vision
Extent Flexibility
Control Precision
Auditory Attention
Reaction Time
Problem Sensitivity
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Response Orientation
Multilimb Coordination
Selective Attention
Trunk Strength
Rate Control
Near Vision
Visualization
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Perceptual Speed
Time Sharing
Gross Body Equilibrium
Static Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Visual Color Discrimination
Depth Perception
Written Comprehension
Hearing Sensitivity
Flexibility of Closure
Glare Sensitivity
Information Ordering
Inductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
Category Flexibility
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Stamina
Dynamic Strength
Speech Clarity
Speed of Closure
Speech Recognition
Speed of Limb Movement
Written Expression
Spatial Orientation
Originality
Wrist-Finger Speed
Fluency of Ideas
Sound Localization
Peripheral Vision
Number Facility
Night Vision
Mathematical Reasoning
Memorization
Interests
Realistic
Conventional
Enterprising
Investigative
Social
Artistic
Knowledge
Transportation
Public Safety and Security
Mechanical
Customer and Personal Service
Education and Training
Law and Government
Administration and Management
English Language
Psychology
Clerical
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Personnel and Human Resources
Telecommunications
Computers and Electronics
Production and Processing
Physics
Chemistry
Sales and Marketing
Communications and Media
Geography
Sociology and Anthropology
Wages
Mississippi
$59,400
Minnesota
$54,720
Arizona
$53,500
Florida
$53,080
North Dakota
$51,800
Idaho
$50,830
North Carolina
$50,520
West Virginia
$50,490
Wisconsin
$49,920
Louisiana
$49,860
Alabama
$49,600
Montana
$49,580
California
$49,020
Wyoming
$48,900
Illinois
$48,900
Utah
$47,490
Indiana
$47,100
Missouri
$46,640
Iowa
$46,340
Georgia
$46,150
Nebraska
$45,800
Maryland
$45,710
Virginia
$44,550
Oregon
$44,380
Tennessee
$43,770
Michigan
$43,760
Arkansas
$43,690
Kentucky
$41,750
Pennsylvania
$38,740
Ohio
$35,320
Texas
$34,150
South Carolina
$31,950
Skills
Operation and Control
Operation Monitoring
Coordination
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Troubleshooting
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Instructing
Quality Control Analysis
Writing
Learning Strategies
Active Listening
Active Learning
Speaking
Service Orientation
Management of Personnel Resources
Persuasion
Social Perceptiveness
Systems Analysis
Mathematics
Systems Evaluation
Negotiation
Repairing
Equipment Maintenance
Management of Material Resources
Equipment Selection
Management of Financial Resources
Technology Design
Operations Analysis
Work Values
Support
Relationships
Working Conditions
Independence
Achievement
Recognition
Work Styles
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others
Independence
Initiative
Leadership
Social Orientation
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Innovation
Persistence
Achievement/Effort
Related University Degree Programs
Work Context
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Consequence of Error
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Face-to-Face Discussions
Work With Work Group or Team
Contact With Others
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Time Pressure
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
Frequency of Decision Making
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
Freedom to Make Decisions
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Telephone
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Coordinate or Lead Others
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Standing
Deal With External Customers
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Duration of Typical Work Week
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Exposed to High Places
Spend Time Sitting
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Physical Proximity
Letters and Memos
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Degree of Automation
Electronic Mail
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Level of Competition
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Work Schedules
Outdoors, Under Cover
Public Speaking
Exposed to Radiation
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
-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 Sitting
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
-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 Bending or Twisting the Body
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Sitting
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
-Every day-
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Exposed to Contaminants
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
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Time Pressure
Frequency of Decision Making
Telephone
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Exposed to High Places
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Electronic Mail
Letters and Memos
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Outdoors, Under Cover
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Public Speaking
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Exposed to Radiation
-Extremely competitive-
Level of Competition
-Extremely important-
Work With Work Group or Team
Coordinate or Lead Others
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Deal With External Customers
-Extremely serious-
Consequence of Error
-Fairly important-
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Deal With External Customers
Coordinate or Lead Others
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
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-
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Deal With External Customers
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Coordinate or Lead Others
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Work With Work Group or Team
-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 Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Walking and Running
Spend Time Sitting
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
-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 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
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Spend Time Sitting
-Never-
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Radiation
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Outdoors, Under Cover
Public Speaking
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Electronic Mail
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Letters and Memos
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Exposed to High Places
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Telephone
Face-to-Face Discussions
Time Pressure
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Spend Time Sitting
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Frequency of Decision Making
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Spend Time Walking and Running
Exposed to Contaminants
Spend Time Standing
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
-No contact with others-
Contact With Others
-No freedom-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-No responsibility-
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
-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-
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Deal With External Customers
Coordinate or Lead Others
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-
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Frequency of Decision Making
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Exposed to High Places
Letters and Memos
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Public Speaking
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Contaminants
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Time Pressure
Electronic Mail
Outdoors, Under Cover
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Exposed to Radiation
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Telephone
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Face-to-Face Discussions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
-Once a week or more but not every day-
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Time Pressure
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Letters and Memos
Frequency of Decision Making
Telephone
Face-to-Face Discussions
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Exposed to High Places
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
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
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Outdoors, Under Cover
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Electronic Mail
Public Speaking
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Radiation
-Once a year or more but not every month-
Frequency of Conflict Situations
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Exposed to High Places
Letters and Memos
Electronic Mail
Public Speaking
Telephone
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
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
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Outdoors, Under Cover
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Time Pressure
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
Face-to-Face Discussions
Frequency of Decision Making
Exposed to Contaminants
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
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
-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-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
Freedom to Make Decisions
-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
Deal With External Customers
Work With Work Group or Team
Coordinate or Lead Others
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
-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-
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
- Importance Supplemental-
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
- Relevance of Task Core-
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
- Relevance of Task Supplemental-
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
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 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Over 10 years
-On-the-Job Training-
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
-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
-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)