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

  • Railway Switch Operator
  • Railway Switchman
  • Railroad Yard Worker

  • Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

  • Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  • Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
  • 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.