Occupation information for

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

District Of Columbia

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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.

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Currently Employed: Not Available

Yearly Projected Openings: Not Available

Typical Hourly Wage: Not Available

Typical Annual Salary: Not Available

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: None

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: Moderate-term on-the-job training

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typical job duties

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 crewmembers 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.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.

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