Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
Operate railroad track switches.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
Average
$50,000
ANNUAL
Entry Level
$35,000
ANNUAL
Mid Level
$48,000
ANNUAL
Expert Level
$61,000
ANNUAL
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
Degree Recommendations
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
01
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
02
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
03
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
04
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
05
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
06
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
07
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
08
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
09
Refuel and lubricate engines.
10
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Transportation
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Operation Monitoring
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Operation and Control
ABILITY
Far Vision
ABILITY
Auditory Attention
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Multilimb Coordination
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
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