Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 34,610 - 85,590; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is hiring a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator to manage railway track switches, ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, and maintain equipment. The role involves signaling engineers, making minor repairs, and monitoring train operations. Candidates should possess skills in critical thinking, monitoring, and active listening. This position offers an annual salary ranging from $34,610 to $85,590.

Qualifications

• Full attention to others while communicating.
• Monitoring performance to improve services.
• Observing indicators to ensure proper machine functionality.

Responsibilities

• Operate railroad track switches.
• Couple or uncouple rolling stock.
• Signal engineers for train operations.

Skills

Active Listening

Monitoring

Operation Monitoring

Reading Comprehension

Critical Thinking

Operation and Control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Route mapping software

Time tracking software

Electronic train management systems (ETMS)

Job description

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator

Life As a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Example 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.

• Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
• Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
• Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
• Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
• Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
• Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Skills

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Types of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Jobs

• Trains Service Conductor
• Railroad Signal Operator
• Freight Brake Operator
• Nipper

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Salary

The salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators ranges between about $34,610 and $85,590 a year.

Tools & Technologies Used by Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators:

• Route mapping software
• Time tracking software
• Electronic train management systems ETMS

Becoming a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator

Education needed to be a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator: