Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers

realistic interests observe signals vehicle operation equipment inspect engines conductor instruction railroad yard

Brakeman, Carman, Railroad Switchman, Terminal Carman

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
  • Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
  • Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.

Knowledge

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • management

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Cautiousness
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self-Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Expert system software

  • Electronic train management systems ETMS

Education

high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Salary:

$68,840
$45,660
$86,590
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