Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

53-4022

Not available
$60,130
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DescriptionAbout this Occupation

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.

A Day in the LifeDetails about this occupation

  • 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.
  • 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.

EducationTypes of education and training needed for this occupation

Railroad workers generally require a high school diploma or equivalent and several months of on-the-job training.