Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators

Career summary

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Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators keep trains moving along travel routes. They refuel engines and oil moving parts. They inspect the following for defects:

• Cars
• Engines
• Rails
• Ties

Operators divert cars or engines that need repairs. They keep track of how many cars are available, how many have been sent for repairs, and what types of service or repairs are needed.

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators get assignments from the yard conductor or yardmaster. They read the daily car schedule to determine how many cars are needed for the next day's run. They use these schedules to put the trains together.

Operators raise and lower levers to couple and uncouple cars. They use hand tools to attach cables and connect air hoses to cars. Operators use remote controls to move cars from track to track in the yard. They throw track switches to route cars. They ride on top of moving cars and operate hand wheels to slow and stop them.

Operators make traffic signals using arms, lanterns, or electronic controls. They watch for traffic signals from other workers. They set flares, flags, or lanterns ahead and behind stopped trains during emergencies to warn oncoming trains.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Crane and Tower Operators
• Gas and Oil Drillers
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Locomotive Engineers
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Pump Operators
• Train Conductors and Yardmasters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to railroad brake, signal, and switch operators.

• Receive switching orders and track assignments each day from yard conductor or yardmaster.
• Report any equipment requiring major repair to conductors.
• Inspect and make minor repairs to couplings, airhoses, and journal boxes.
• Raise lever to couple and uncouple cars while assembling and breaking up trains.
• Open and close freight ventilation doors and chute gates to load and unload freight cars.
• Watch for traffic signals and display signals when moving cars.
• Signal engineer to start and stop engine within the train yard.
• Ride on top of moving cars and turn handwheel to control speed and stop car.
• Attach cables and airhoses to cars.
• Throw track switches to route cars in train yard.
• Observe signals from other crewmembers.
• Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes next to train during emergency stops.
• Help answer passenger questions.
• May adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on train.
• May assist passengers get on and off trains.
• May place baggage in racks over the seats on the train.
• May help collect tickets, fares, and passes from passengers.

Common work activities

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Evaluate information against standards
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Control machines and processes
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Teach others
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Process information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, railroad brake, signal, and switch operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social interaction with coworkers and the public. They spend time talking to others on the phone or face-to-face.
• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of passengers and other workers in the train yard.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Mostly work outdoors moving cars or loading and unloading freight. They work indoors when assisting passengers.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, conditions, and contaminants in the train yard.
• Are often exposed to uncomfortable sounds and noises made by engines, train whistles, and rail car doors slamming.
• Are regularly exposed to very hot or cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• Regularly wear protective and safety attire and gear.
• Are exposed to very bright or very dim lighting on a regular basis.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• Occasionally are exposed to whole body vibration.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts, scrapes, or burns.
• Spend time in railroad cars, engines, and carts.

Work performance

• Must be exact and accurate in performing the job to ensure transportation safety. Errors could seriously endanger passengers or other workers in the train yard.
• Often make decisions that affect passengers, coworkers, and their company's reputation. They may seek input before making important decisions.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must meet daily and weekly quotas and deadlines. Keeping trains on schedule is crucial.

Hours/travel

• May work any shift, including evenings and weekends.
• May work more than 40 hours a week during busy periods.

Physical demands

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators to be able to:

• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very low light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Industrial Mechanics

Training

To work as a railroad brake, signal, and switch operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Formal education beyond high school is not required for this occupation.

Work experience

Experience in mechanics, equipment operation, welding, or electrical work is good preparation for yard work.

On-the-job training

Most railroad brake, signal, and switch operators learn their skills through on-the-job training. Railroad firms train applicants in a company program. If the railroad is small, the company may send trainees to an outside training facility. Typical training programs combine classroom and on-site training. For signal operators training lasts between four and six weeks. Training is longer for brake operators. It lasts between ten and 18 weeks

Continuing education is important for advancement in the railroad industry. Many jobs require training and classroom instruction. Seniority is another factor which allows you to move up through the ranks.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers also look for workers who have good hearing, eyesight, and color vision. Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and mechanical aptitude are also required. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators must be dependable and have good judgment. Employers often require that applicants pass medical exams and drug screening tests. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators must be able to lift 80 pounds.

Costs to workers

Workers must purchase steel-toed shoes and leather work gloves. Workers who join the Maintenance of Way Employees' Union must pay an initiation fee and dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay is better with major railroads or companies that have union contracts.

Full-time operators often receive health insurance, paid leave, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Railroads

National outlook

Demand for most railroad occupations is declining. Fewer people travel by train and more freight shipping is being done by long-haul trucks. As trains become more productive by pulling more cars or double loads of freight, fewer railroad workers are required.

Job openings will occur to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations.

Other resources

Association of American Railroads 
425 Third Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
202.639.2100

Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen 
917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
540.622.6522

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 
900 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.833.7000

National Railroad Passenger Corporation 

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union 
1750 New York Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
800.457.7694
202.662.0800

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators (53-4021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Brake Coupler, Road Freight (910.367-010) 
• Brake Holder (932.664-010) 
• Braker, Passenger Train (910.364-010) 
• Locomotive Operator Helper (910.367-022) 
• Switch Tender (910.667-026) 
• Yard Coupler (910.664-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled