47-4061.00

Rail-Track Laying & Maintenance Equipment Operators

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.

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Key Tasks

  • Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  • Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  • Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
  • 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.
  • Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  • String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
  • Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  • Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  • Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  • Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
  • Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
  • Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
  • Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
  • Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
  • Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
  • Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
  • Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
  • 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.
  • Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.

Skills

Operation and Control
69%
Operations Monitoring
69%
Troubleshooting
56%
Equipment Maintenance
56%
Repairing
53%
Monitoring
53%
Quality Control Analysis
53%
Coordination
53%
Critical Thinking
53%
Time Management
50%
Active Listening
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Speaking
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Active Learning
41%
Equipment Selection
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
38%
Learning Strategies
38%
Instructing
35%
Reading Comprehension
35%
Mathematics
31%
Service Orientation
31%
Writing
31%
Persuasion
28%
Systems Analysis
28%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Negotiation
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Operations Analysis
19%
Technology Design
19%
Installation
13%
Science
6%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
67%
Mechanical
66%
Building and Construction
63%
Public Safety and Security
56%
Administration and Management
51%
Engineering and Technology
50%
Mathematics
49%
Education and Training
48%
Production and Processing
47%
Customer and Personal Service
46%
English Language
41%
Physics
40%
Administrative
39%
Design
39%
Personnel and Human Resources
37%
Law and Government
36%
Telecommunications
35%
Geography
33%
Chemistry
32%
Psychology
29%
Sales and Marketing
27%
Computers and Electronics
27%
Economics and Accounting
25%
Communications and Media
21%
Biology
19%
Medicine and Dentistry
17%
Sociology and Anthropology
16%
Foreign Language
14%
History and Archeology
13%
Food Production
12%
Therapy and Counseling
12%
Philosophy and Theology
11%
Fine Arts
7%

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Abilities

Control Precision
72%
Multilimb Coordination
69%
Manual Dexterity
69%
Far Vision
66%
Reaction Time
66%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
66%
Visualization
60%
Near Vision
60%
Depth Perception
60%
Flexibility of Closure
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Static Strength
56%
Rate Control
56%
Auditory Attention
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Extent Flexibility
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Dynamic Strength
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Response Orientation
53%
Hearing Sensitivity
50%
Stamina
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Gross Body Coordination
50%
Speech Clarity
47%
Category Flexibility
47%
Speech Recognition
47%
Written Comprehension
47%
Glare Sensitivity
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Spatial Orientation
44%
Speed of Limb Movement
44%
Gross Body Equilibrium
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Fluency of Ideas
38%
Written Expression
38%
Wrist-Finger Speed
35%
Originality
31%
Mathematical Reasoning
28%
Number Facility
28%
Explosive Strength
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Memorization
25%
Night Vision
22%
Sound Localization
22%
Dynamic Flexibility
6%

Work Activities

Getting Information
91%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
87%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Handling and Moving Objects
86%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
85%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Performing General Physical Activities
82%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
76%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
75%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
74%
Controlling Machines and Processes
73%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
71%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
70%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
69%
Thinking Creatively
65%
Processing Information
64%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
62%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
61%
Scheduling Work and Activities
60%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
59%
Documenting/Recording Information
58%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
57%
Analyzing Data or Information
56%
Coaching and Developing Others
55%
Developing and Building Teams
55%
Training and Teaching Others
53%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
52%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
49%
Assisting and Caring for Others
49%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
48%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
45%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
45%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
45%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
44%
Selling or Influencing Others
42%
Performing Administrative Activities
41%
Staffing Organizational Units
33%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
30%
Working with Computers
27%

Work Context

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?

100%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

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

99%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

97%

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?

95%

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?

89%

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?

85%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

85%

Physical Proximity

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

85%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

85%

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?

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 Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

83%

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)?

78%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

77%

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?

76%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

75%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

75%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

74%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

74%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

73%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

73%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

73%

Time Pressure

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

73%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

72%

Consequence of Error

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

71%

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?

70%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

70%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

69%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

68%

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.)

66%

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?

64%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

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

60%

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?

58%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

58%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

57%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

49%

Level of Competition

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

47%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

46%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

44%

Conflict Situations

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

43%

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?

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%

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)?

40%

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?

36%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

34%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

33%

Public Speaking

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

33%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

29%

E-Mail

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

29%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

28%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

26%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

24%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

14%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

14%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

12%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

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

12%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

10%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

90%

Less than high school diploma

10%

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

52

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

12

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

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

0

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.

0

Work Styles

Dependability
85%
Cautiousness
76%
Attention to Detail
73%
Stress Tolerance
45%
Integrity
41%
Perseverance
41%
Cooperation
34%
Self-Control
32%
Achievement Orientation
27%
Self-Confidence
19%
Adaptability
9%
Initiative
9%
Sincerity
4%

Work Values

Support
61%
Relationships
45%
Independence
39%
Working Conditions
39%
Achievement
28%
Recognition
22%

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