O*NET-SOC 53-4022.00

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.Core23774
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.Core23775
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.Supplemental23794
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.Core23776
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.Core23777
Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.Core23778
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.Core23779
Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.Core23780
Operate locomotives in emergency situations.Core23781
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.Core23782
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.Core23783
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.Core23784
Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.Core23785
Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.Core23786
Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.Core23787
Refuel and lubricate engines.Supplemental23795
Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.Core23788
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.Core23789
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.Core23790
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.Supplemental23796
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.Supplemental23798
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.Supplemental23799
Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.Core23791
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.Core23792
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.Core23793
Conduct brake tests to determine the condition of brakes on trains.23801

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 8 examples in 8 categories, 4 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Data base user interface and query software

Electronic train management system software

Expert system software

Electronic train management systems ETMS

Operating system software

Google AndroidHot TechnologyIn Demand

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Route navigation software

Route mapping software

Time accounting software

Time tracking software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor engine operation or functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor traffic signals.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

Arrange maintenance activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record service or repair activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Record operational or production data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 20

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.