# Tasks & work activities — rail maintenance technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-4013.00 (Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- **[Core]** Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- **[Core]** Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- **[Core]** Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
- **[Core]** Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- **[Core]** Apply and release hand brakes.
- **[Core]** Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
- **[Core]** Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
- **[Core]** Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
- **[Core]** Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
- **[Core]** Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
- **[Core]** Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
- **[Core]** Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- **[Core]** Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
- **[Core]** Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
- **[Core]** Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
- **[Core]** Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
- **[Core]** Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
- **[Supplemental]** Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
- **[Supplemental]** Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.

## Detailed work activities

- Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Connect cables or electrical lines.
- Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.
- Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
- Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
- Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
- Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.
- Monitor traffic signals.
- Monitor vehicle movement or location.
- Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- Position material handling equipment.
- Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
- Record operational or production data.
- Record service or repair activities.
- Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.