Occupation information for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 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: No 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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• Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
• Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
• Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
• Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
• Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
• Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
• Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
• Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
• Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
• Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.

Tools:

• Diesel freight locomotives
• Electric freight locomotives
• Heavy rail turnout switch
• Rail switching systems
• Train braking systems

Technology:

• Data base user interface and query software
• Expert system software
• Route navigation software
• Time accounting software

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