Railroad Brake, 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.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
21 tasks analyzed
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.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | - | - | - |
| Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly. | - | - | - |
Essential Soft Skills
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Awaiting Assessment
This occupation has 21 tasks in the database and is queued for the next scoring run. Risk scores, protective factors, and skill gaps will appear once the assessment completes.