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Railroad Signal and Switch Operators

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.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Second Interest High-Point

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

First Interest High-Point

Third Interest High-Point

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

Rail Transportation Workers

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

Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.

Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.

Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.

Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.

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

Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.

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

Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.

Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.

Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.

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

Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.

Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.

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

Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.

Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.

Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.

Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.

CAREER

Railroad Signal and Switch Operators

Overview

Salary Median (2017)

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

Most Common Level of Education

Career

What Railroad Signal and Switch Operators Do

Other Job Titles Railroad Signal and Switch Operators May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Railroad and Railway Transportation

CAREER

Railroad Signal and Switch Operators

Overview

Salary Median (2017)

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

Most Common Level of Education

Career

What Railroad Signal and Switch Operators Do

Other Job Titles Railroad Signal and Switch Operators May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Railroad Signal and Switch Operators

Most common level of education among people inthis career: High School Diploma (87%)

High School Diploma

Less than a High School Diploma

Post-Secondary Certificate

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers

Related Leaders

Most common level of education among people in
this career: High School Diploma (87%)