Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Careers / Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Summary Description


	Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Air Brake Operator

2.	Air Hose Coupler

3.	Brake Holder

4.	Brake Rider

5.	Brakeman

6.	Car Coupler

7.	Car Hopper

8.	Car Rider

9.	Car Runner

10.	Car Shifter

11.	Car Shunter

12.	Carman

13.	Conductor

14.	Coupler

15.	Dinkey Brakeman

16.	Dukey Rider

17.	Engineer

18.	Enginehouse Brakeman

19.	Flagger

20.	Flagman

21.	Freight Brake Operator

22.	Freight Brakeman

23.	Freight Conductor

24.	Gang Rider

25.	Headman

26.	Lineman Apprentice

27.	Locomotive Engineer

28.	Locomotive Operator Helper

29.	Locomotive Switch Operator

30.	Motor Brakeman

31.	Narrow Gauge Brakeman

32.	Nipper

33.	Passenger Brakeman

34.	Passenger Train Braker

35.	Patcher

36.	Railcar Brake Operator

37.	Railcar Foreman

38.	Railcar Switchman

39.	Railroad Brake Operator

40.	Railroad Brakeman

41.	Railroad Carman

42.	Railroad Signal and Switch Operator

43.	Railroad Signal Operator

44.	Railroad Switchman

45.	Railroad Yard Worker

46.	Railway Switch Operator

47.	Railway Switchman

48.	Rider

49.	Road Freight Brake Coupler

50.	Rope Rider

51.	Set Rider

52.	Signal Person

53.	Skates Operator

54.	Skatesman

55.	Snapper

56.	Swamper

57.	Switch Coupler

58.	Switch Foreman

59.	Switch Operator

60.	Switch Tender

61.	Switching Operator

62.	Switchman

63.	Terminal Carman

64.	Track Helper

65.	Track Supervisor

66.	Trailer

67.	Train Brake Operator

68.	Train Brakeman

69.	Train Braker

70.	Train Crew Member

71.	Trainman

72.	Trains Service Conductor

73.	Transportation Specialist

74.	Trip Rider

75.	Tub Rider

76.	Yard Brakeman

77.	Yard Coupler

78.	Yard Person

79.	Yard Switch Operator

Job Tasks

	Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Pull or push track switches to reroute cars. Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.

	Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains. Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.

	Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes. Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.

	Refuel and lubricate engines. Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

	Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate. Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation. Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.

	Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. Arrange maintenance activities.

	Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers. Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety.

	Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed. Record operational or production data. Record service or repair activities.

	Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains. Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.

	Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools. Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

	Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches. Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.

	Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information. Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Nearly all locomotive engineers; conductors and yardmasters; and brake, signal, and switch operators work in the rail transportation industry. Rail yard engineers work in rail transportation and also support activities for rail.

	Read More >>

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