Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator and Locomotive Firer
Summary
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operator driving locomotives and railcars, inspecting equipment, signaling engineers, and checking trains for supplies and brake conditions in train yards and industrial sites
Experience
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator and Locomotive Firer
Where you worked
Month Year to Month Year
Operated and drove locomotives and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites
Inspected couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes to ensure they were secure and working
Signaled locomotive engineers to start or stop trains using hand signals or radio
Monitored trains around curves to check for dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes
Checked trains for supplies like fuel, water, and sand before runs
Conducted brake tests to check the condition of brakes on trains
Received instructions from yardmasters about track assignments and cars to switch
Skills
Checking & Planning
Inspecting locomotives, Testing mechanical systems
Core Skills
Monitoring equipment gauges, Monitoring engine operation, Observing equipment in operation, Monitoring traffic signals, Monitoring surroundings, Driver's license, Operating locomotives or rail vehicles, Signaling others, Maintaining locomotives and rail equipment