49-3043.00Apprenticeship

Rail Car Repairers

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Transportation and Warehousing
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

  • Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
  • Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
  • Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
  • Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
  • Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
  • Test units for operability before and after repairs.
  • Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
  • Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
  • Disassemble units such as water pumps, control valves, and compressors so that repairs can be made.
  • Measure diameters of axle wheel seats, using micrometers, and mark dimensions on axles so that wheels can be bored to specified dimensions.
  • Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
  • Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
  • Test electrical systems of cars by operating systems and using testing equipment such as ammeters.
  • Install and repair interior flooring, fixtures, walls, plumbing, steps, and platforms.
  • Replace defective wiring and insulation, and tighten electrical connections, using hand tools.
  • Paint car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.
  • Repair window sash frames, attach weather stripping and channels to frames, and replace window glass, using hand tools.
  • Align car sides for installation of car ends and crossties, using width gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches.
  • Repair car upholstery.

Skills

Troubleshooting
75%
Repairing
75%
Equipment Maintenance
69%
Operations Monitoring
56%
Quality Control Analysis
56%
Critical Thinking
56%
Operation and Control
53%
Speaking
50%
Active Listening
50%
Coordination
47%
Reading Comprehension
47%
Time Management
47%
Writing
47%
Monitoring
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Active Learning
44%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Equipment Selection
44%
Complex Problem Solving
44%
Installation
41%
Systems Analysis
41%
Systems Evaluation
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Instructing
38%
Service Orientation
35%
Persuasion
31%
Mathematics
28%
Negotiation
28%
Technology Design
22%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Science
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Operations Analysis
19%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Mechanical
87%
Production and Processing
60%
Design
58%
Administration and Management
56%
Engineering and Technology
55%
Building and Construction
55%
Transportation
53%
Mathematics
51%
Public Safety and Security
49%
Customer and Personal Service
46%
Education and Training
41%
English Language
39%
Physics
37%
Administrative
34%
Economics and Accounting
28%
Computers and Electronics
26%
Law and Government
26%
Personnel and Human Resources
21%
Telecommunications
17%
Medicine and Dentistry
15%
Sales and Marketing
14%
Chemistry
14%
Communications and Media
12%
Psychology
12%
Foreign Language
9%
Food Production
8%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
Geography
6%
Philosophy and Theology
5%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
History and Archeology
1%
Fine Arts
1%
Biology
1%

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Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
72%
Control Precision
72%
Manual Dexterity
72%
Multilimb Coordination
69%
Near Vision
66%
Finger Dexterity
66%
Reaction Time
63%
Problem Sensitivity
63%
Static Strength
63%
Trunk Strength
63%
Perceptual Speed
60%
Extent Flexibility
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Far Vision
53%
Visualization
53%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Hearing Sensitivity
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Stamina
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Gross Body Equilibrium
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Gross Body Coordination
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Speech Clarity
47%
Auditory Attention
47%
Oral Expression
47%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Oral Comprehension
47%
Dynamic Strength
47%
Sound Localization
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Written Comprehension
44%
Written Expression
44%
Originality
44%
Speed of Closure
41%
Rate Control
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Time Sharing
38%
Glare Sensitivity
35%
Number Facility
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Memorization
31%
Speed of Limb Movement
31%
Mathematical Reasoning
28%
Peripheral Vision
28%
Night Vision
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Explosive Strength
19%
Dynamic Flexibility
6%

Work Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
81%
Getting Information
76%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Handling and Moving Objects
73%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
70%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
70%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
67%
Controlling Machines and Processes
66%
Performing General Physical Activities
65%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
65%
Training and Teaching Others
65%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
65%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
63%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
57%
Documenting/Recording Information
57%
Thinking Creatively
55%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
53%
Analyzing Data or Information
52%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
51%
Processing Information
51%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
49%
Scheduling Work and Activities
49%
Coaching and Developing Others
48%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
48%
Assisting and Caring for Others
47%
Developing and Building Teams
45%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
43%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
41%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
41%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
41%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
38%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
37%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
35%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
35%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
34%
Performing Administrative Activities
29%
Working with Computers
29%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
22%
Selling or Influencing Others
19%
Staffing Organizational Units
19%

Work Context

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

97%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

97%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

90%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

89%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

88%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

87%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

87%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

85%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

82%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

82%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

78%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

76%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

76%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

75%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

75%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

74%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

73%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

72%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

71%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

68%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

68%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

66%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

65%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

65%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

65%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

64%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

64%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

64%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

62%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

61%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

61%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

61%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

61%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

59%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

50%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

47%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

46%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

46%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

45%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

42%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

41%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

41%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

41%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

39%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

36%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

35%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

33%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

31%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

23%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

22%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

20%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

17%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

15%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

14%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

11%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

6%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

3%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

61%

Post-secondary certificate

38%

Associate's degree

1%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

53

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

28

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

7

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

4

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

4

Work Styles

Dependability
82%
Attention to Detail
80%
Cautiousness
68%
Perseverance
51%
Integrity
48%
Stress Tolerance
42%
Achievement Orientation
39%
Self-Control
27%
Intellectual Curiosity
26%
Adaptability
24%
Cooperation
23%
Self-Confidence
20%
Initiative
19%
Sincerity
17%
Innovation
12%
Optimism
2%

Work Values

Support
67%
Working Conditions
42%
Independence
33%
Relationships
28%
Achievement
22%
Recognition
22%

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