53-4022.00

Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Transportation and Material Moving
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Transportation and Warehousing
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Key Tasks

  • Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
  • 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.
  • Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
  • Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
  • Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
  • 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.
  • Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
  • Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
  • Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
  • Refuel and lubricate engines.
  • Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
  • Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
  • Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  • Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
  • 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.
  • Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.
  • Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
  • Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
  • Conduct brake tests to determine the condition of brakes on trains.

Skills

Monitoring
63%
Operations Monitoring
60%
Operation and Control
56%
Active Listening
56%
Critical Thinking
56%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Coordination
50%
Time Management
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Speaking
47%
Instructing
44%
Complex Problem Solving
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Active Learning
41%
Writing
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Persuasion
38%
Service Orientation
38%
Troubleshooting
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
35%
Mathematics
28%
Negotiation
28%
Systems Analysis
28%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Repairing
22%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Equipment Maintenance
19%
Equipment Selection
13%
Operations Analysis
6%
Technology Design
3%
Programming
0%
Installation
0%
Science
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
71%
Public Safety and Security
62%
Mechanical
58%
English Language
54%
Customer and Personal Service
44%
Law and Government
40%
Education and Training
39%
Telecommunications
34%
Psychology
32%
Mathematics
29%
Administration and Management
28%
Physics
26%
Computers and Electronics
25%
Administrative
24%
Engineering and Technology
24%
Personnel and Human Resources
23%
Communications and Media
22%
Geography
21%
Production and Processing
15%
Chemistry
13%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Building and Construction
9%
Sociology and Anthropology
8%
Medicine and Dentistry
8%
Economics and Accounting
8%
Design
8%
Therapy and Counseling
8%
History and Archeology
4%
Foreign Language
4%
Biology
4%
Philosophy and Theology
2%
Food Production
2%
Fine Arts
1%

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Abilities

Control Precision
69%
Near Vision
69%
Far Vision
66%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
66%
Oral Comprehension
66%
Perceptual Speed
63%
Reaction Time
63%
Problem Sensitivity
63%
Speech Recognition
60%
Multilimb Coordination
60%
Rate Control
60%
Response Orientation
60%
Manual Dexterity
60%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Oral Expression
56%
Inductive Reasoning
56%
Speech Clarity
56%
Written Comprehension
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Auditory Attention
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Visual Color Discrimination
53%
Hearing Sensitivity
50%
Visualization
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Category Flexibility
47%
Written Expression
47%
Static Strength
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Dynamic Strength
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Gross Body Coordination
44%
Night Vision
41%
Explosive Strength
41%
Wrist-Finger Speed
41%
Stamina
38%
Spatial Orientation
38%
Originality
38%
Fluency of Ideas
35%
Glare Sensitivity
35%
Gross Body Equilibrium
35%
Peripheral Vision
31%
Number Facility
31%
Sound Localization
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Memorization
22%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%

Work Activities

Getting Information
82%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
81%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
78%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
78%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
75%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
69%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
69%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
69%
Controlling Machines and Processes
68%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
66%
Handling and Moving Objects
65%
Performing General Physical Activities
62%
Processing Information
56%
Documenting/Recording Information
56%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
56%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
53%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
53%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
53%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
50%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
50%
Training and Teaching Others
50%
Coaching and Developing Others
48%
Analyzing Data or Information
44%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
40%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
39%
Developing and Building Teams
39%
Scheduling Work and Activities
38%
Thinking Creatively
37%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
37%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
33%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
33%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
31%
Assisting and Caring for Others
31%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
30%
Performing Administrative Activities
25%
Working with Computers
23%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
23%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
19%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
13%
Staffing Organizational Units
8%

Work Context

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?

98%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

95%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

93%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

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

93%

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?

93%

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)?

89%

Consequence of Error

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

86%

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?

86%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

85%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

84%

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?

84%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

83%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

83%

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?

82%

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?

82%

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?

79%

Time Pressure

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

79%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

78%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

77%

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?

76%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

76%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

75%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

73%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

69%

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?

67%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

64%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

64%

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?

63%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

54%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

53%

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)?

53%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

50%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

48%

Conflict Situations

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

45%

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?

44%

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.)

43%

Physical Proximity

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

43%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

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

41%

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?

40%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

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

38%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

38%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

37%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

31%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

28%

Level of Competition

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

26%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

24%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

20%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

20%

E-Mail

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

17%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

13%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

11%

Public Speaking

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

9%

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?

7%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

2%

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

54

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

18

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

7

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.

4

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,

0

Work Styles

Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
83%
Attention to Detail
78%
Integrity
63%
Stress Tolerance
62%
Self-Control
55%
Cooperation
54%
Perseverance
49%
Adaptability
31%
Self-Confidence
30%
Achievement Orientation
23%
Sincerity
14%
Social Orientation
13%
Initiative
12%
Humility
6%
Optimism
0%

Work Values

Support
75%
Relationships
45%
Working Conditions
39%
Independence
31%
Achievement
25%
Recognition
17%

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