Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and 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.

Also includes




About the Job


Indiana Average Salary $57,490.00
Average Time to Fill 0 days
Typical Education Post-secondary certificate or some college courses
Typical Experience
10 Year Projected Openings (2021-2031) 416
10 Year Expected Percentage Change (2021-2031) -7.05 %

For more information on the new projection methodology, visit Hoosiers by the Numbers .

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Skills Profile



Essential (Soft) Skills

Essential Skills to Employers

Attention to Detail
Information Gathering
Critical Thinking
Technology and Tool Usage
Following Directions
Work Ethic
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Decision-making
Resource Management
Organization
Professionalism
Integrity

Top Job Duties and Responsibilities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

Perform transportation or shipping related safety inspection
Inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory or hazard compliance concerns
Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment
Inspect vehicle to detect malfunctions or maintenance needed
Perform tests to assess compliance with standards
Perform safety inspection related to an installation, maintenance, or repair
Test mechanical products or equipment
Test electrical or electronic wiring or fixtures
Test electrical or electronic systems or equipment
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards
Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems
Inspect facilities to determine repair or replacement needs
Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement
Test vehicle computer processors to detect malfunctions
Ensure equipment is operating to prescribed standards
Perform inspection of tools or equipment prior to use
Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems
Inspect transportation or shipping related machinery or equipment
Test materials to verify safety standards
Evaluate equipment for compliance with standards
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning
Conduct performance testing
Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects
Inspect waste disposal or treatment facilities for regulatory compliance
Analyze manufacturing or production test results
Test manufactured products
Compute product or materials test results
Perform quality assurance testing
Perform engineering related safety inspection
Inspect installation, maintenance, or repair machinery or equipment
Inspect production equipment
Test performance of aircraft equipment
Test historical authenticity of various materials
Inspect industrial, production, or manufacturing related work products to verify conformance with quality and standards
Evaluate quality of products
Evaluate quality of materials or resources
Inspect objects using x-ray or magnetic methods
Inspect engineering equipment or systems
Test products for functionality or quality
Examine returned parts for defects

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor railroad vehicle or equipment operation
Monitor equipment or instrument gauges and displays
Monitor vehicle movement or location
Monitor transportation or shipping related equipment operation to detect problems
Relay traffic signals or instructions
Monitor production or manufacturing equipment operation to detect problems
Monitor engine operation or functioning
Detect installation, maintenance, or repair concerns by listening for abnormalities
Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems
Monitor variables affecting route activities
Detect industrial, production, or manufacturing equipment malfunctions by listening for abnormalities
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed
Monitor traffic conditions or signals
Monitor loading processes to ensure procedural compliance
Observe track to detect obstructions
Ensure compliance with polices or regulations
Detect infractions of rules
Monitor transportation operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards
Monitor public transportation and transit systems operation
Maintain consistent production quality
Monitor assembly quality
Monitor regulatory compliance
Maintain safe work environment
Inspect production environment operations and processes

Handling and Moving Objects

Couple/Uncouple railroad cars
Operate track switches
Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic
Direct human or vehicle traffic
Don/Doff construction, extraction, or mining related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Connect hoses to equipment or machinery
Connect cables or electrical lines
Install electrical fixtures or components
Set-up electronic systems test equipment
Don/Doff transportation or shipping related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Set-up specialized rigging
Install lead-in wires to control boxes and other components
Install/Replace measuring or control devices such as meters or regulators
Install electrical or electronic cables or wiring
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems
Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment
Set-up production equipment or machinery
Align equipment or machinery
Adjust measuring or control devices
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance
Install electronic equipment, components, or systems
Adjust industrial, manufacturing, or production equipment
Disassemble transportation equipment for maintenance or repair
Assemble equipment or components
Solder electrical or electronic connections or components
Store items
Set mechanical or electrical controls or components
Collect samples for analysis or testing
Control supply of electrical power to systems
Connect electrical components or equipment

Getting Information

Read operating, service, or repair manuals
Review switching or train orders
Review arrival or departure schedules
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures
Interpret information from diagrams, blueprints, schematics, or technical drawings
Review transportation related codes and specifications
Review traffic routing or control plans
Review transportation, shipping, or material moving work orders
Read work orders to determine material or setup requirements
Review installation, maintenance, or repair codes and specifications
Review installation, maintenance, or repair work orders
Review industrial, production, or manufacturing work orders
Review industrial, production, or manufacturing codes and specifications
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences
Investigate transportation or traffic incidents, accidents, or violations

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Communicate directions using railroad signals
Observe signals from other crewmembers
Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement
Signal directions or warnings to co-workers
Communicate issues or concerns with others to facilitate vehicle movement


Equal Opportunity is the Law. (La Igualdad De Oportunidad Es La Ley.)
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.