rail-maintenance-technician/references/tasks.md

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.