How do they match: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

  • Railway Switch Operator
  • Railway Switchman
  • Yard Brakeman
  • Yard Coupler
  • Yard Person
  • Yard Switch Operator
  • Railroad Yard Worker

  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
  • Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
  • Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.

  • Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
  • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.