Occupation information for Locomotive Engineers District Of Columbia

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Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: Less than 5 years work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

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• Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
• Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
• Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
• Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
• Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
• Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.

Tools:

• Adjustable widemouth pliers
• Electric freight locomotives
• Rail switching systems
• Screwdrivers
• Train braking systems

Technology:

• Expert system software
• Route navigation software
• Spreadsheet software
• Time accounting software
• Word processing software

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