- Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Occupations with related tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV
- Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
- Inspect each car periodically during runs.
- Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
- Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
- Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
- Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
- Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
- Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
- Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
- Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
- Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
- Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.
- Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
- Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
- Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
- Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.
- Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.
- Collect tickets, fares, or passes from passengers.
- Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort.
- Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
- Inspect each car periodically during runs.
- Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
- Apply and release hand brakes.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
- Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
- Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
- Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
- Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
- Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
- Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
- Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
- Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
- Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
- Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
- Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
- Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
- Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
- Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
- Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
- Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
- Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
- Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
- Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
- Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
- Perform or schedule repairs or preventive maintenance of vehicles or other equipment.
- Inspect or test materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.
- Plan and establish schedules.
- Enforce safety rules and regulations.
- Interpret transportation or tariff regulations, shipping orders, safety regulations, or company policies and procedures for workers.
- Resolve worker problems or collaborate with employees to assist in problem resolution.
- Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.
- Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation, operations or production goals.
- Examine, measure, or weigh cargo or materials to determine specific handling requirements.
- Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.
- Review orders, production schedules, blueprints, or shipping or receiving notices to determine work sequences and material shipping dates, types, volumes, or destinations.
- Drive vehicles or operate machines or equipment to complete work assignments or to assist workers.
- Maintain or verify records of time, materials, expenditures, or crew activities.
- Requisition needed personnel, supplies, equipment, parts, or repair services.
- Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, equipment performance, work methods, or customer services.
- Prepare, compile, and submit reports on work activities, operations, production, or work-related accidents.
- Dispatch personnel and vehicles in response to telephone or radio reports of emergencies.
- Monitor field work to ensure proper performance and use of materials.
- Recommend or implement personnel actions, such as employee selection, evaluation, rewards, or disciplinary actions.
- Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, personnel, or storage requirements.
- Assist workers in tasks, such as loading vehicles.
- Direct workers in transportation or related services, such as pumping, moving, storing, or loading or unloading of materials.
- Perform or schedule repairs or preventive maintenance of vehicles or other equipment.
- Inspect or test materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.
- Plan and establish schedules.
- Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
- Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
- Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
- Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
- Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
- Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
- Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
- Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
- Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
- Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
- File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
- Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.
- Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.
- Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
- Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.
- Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
- File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.
- Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
- Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
- Plan flights according to government and company regulations, using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments.
- Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control, and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
- Request changes in altitudes or routes as circumstances dictate.
- Write specified information in flight records, such as flight times, altitudes flown, and fuel consumption.
- Supervise other crew members.
- Fly with other pilots or pilot-license applicants to evaluate their proficiency.
- Rescue and evacuate injured persons.
- Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations.
- Teach company regulations and procedures to other pilots.
- Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
- Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
- Pilot airplanes or helicopters over farmlands at low altitudes to dust or spray fields with fertilizers, fungicides, or pesticides.
- Check the flight performance of new and experimental planes.
- Perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance.
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
- Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
- Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
- Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
- Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.
- Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.
- Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks.
- Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
- Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
- Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
- Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
- Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
- Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
- Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.
- Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.
- Take depth soundings in turning basins.
- Perform general labor duties such as repairing booms.
- Position booms around docked ships.
- Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
- Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
- Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
- Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
- Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
- Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
- Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
- Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
- Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
- Prepare accident reports.
- Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
- Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
- Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
- Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
- Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
- Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
- Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
- Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
- Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
- Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
- Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
- Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.
- Interact with the public to answer traffic-related questions, respond to complaints or requests, or discuss traffic control ordinances, plans, policies, or procedures.
- Prepare graphs, charts, diagrams, or other aids to illustrate observations or conclusions.
- Analyze data related to traffic flow, accident rates, or proposed development to determine the most efficient methods to expedite traffic flow.
- Plan, design, and improve components of traffic control systems to accommodate current or projected traffic and to increase usability and efficiency.
- Compute time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.
- Prepare drawings of proposed signal installations or other control devices, using drafting instruments or computer-automated drafting equipment.
- Study factors affecting traffic conditions, such as lighting or sign and marking visibility, to assess their effectiveness.
- Gather and compile data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, or radar speed checks and code data for computer input.
- Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.
- Lay out pavement markings for striping crews.
- Provide technical supervision regarding traffic control devices to other traffic technicians or laborers.
- Operate counters and record data to assess the volume, type, and movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic at specified times.
- Place and secure automatic counters, using power tools, and retrieve counters after counting periods end.
- Review traffic control or barricade plans to issue permits for parades or other special events or for construction work that affects rights of way, providing assistance with plan preparation or revision, as necessary.
- Time stoplights or other delays, using stopwatches.
- Maintain or make minor adjustments or field repairs to equipment used in surveys, including the replacement of parts on traffic data gathering devices.
- Visit development or work sites to determine projects' effect on traffic and the adequacy of traffic control and safety plans or to suggest traffic control measures.
- Establish procedures for street closures or for repair or construction projects.
- Provide traffic information, such as road conditions, to the public.
- Monitor street or utility projects for compliance to traffic control permit conditions.
- Develop plans or long-range strategies for providing adequate parking space.
- Interview motorists about specific intersections or highways to gather road-condition information for use in planning.
- Prepare work orders for repair, maintenance, or changes in traffic systems.
- Recommend or arrange for additional services, such as painting, repair work, renovations, and the replacement of furnishings and equipment.
- Supervise in-house services, such as laundries, maintenance and repair, dry cleaning, or valet services.
- Select the most suitable cleaning materials for different types of linens, furniture, flooring, and surfaces.
- Advise managers, desk clerks, or admitting personnel of rooms ready for occupancy.
- Inspect work performed to ensure that it meets specifications and established standards.
- Perform or assist with cleaning duties as necessary.
- Plan and prepare employee work schedules.
- Establish and implement operational standards and procedures for the departments supervised.
- Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities to determine the type of work required.
- Inventory stock to ensure that supplies and equipment are available in adequate amounts.
- Issue supplies and equipment to workers.
- Forecast necessary levels of staffing and stock at different times to facilitate effective scheduling and ordering.
- Check and maintain equipment to ensure that it is in working order.
- Maintain required records of work hours, budgets, payrolls, and other information.
- Direct activities for stopping the spread of infections in facilities, such as hospitals.
- Coordinate activities with other departments to ensure that services are provided in an efficient and timely manner.
- Investigate complaints about service and equipment, and take corrective action.
- Instruct staff in work policies and procedures, and the use and maintenance of equipment.
- Select and order or purchase new equipment, supplies, or furnishings.
- Prepare reports on activity, personnel, and information, such as occupancy, hours worked, facility usage, work performed, and departmental expenses.
- Confer with staff to resolve performance and personnel problems, and to discuss company policies.
- Evaluate employee performance and recommend personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, and dismissals.
- Recommend changes that could improve service and increase operational efficiency.
- Perform financial tasks, such as estimating costs and preparing and managing budgets.
- Screen job applicants, and hire new employees.
- Perform grounds maintenance tasks, such as removing snow and mowing the lawn.
- Recommend or arrange for additional services, such as painting, repair work, renovations, and the replacement of furnishings and equipment.
- Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.
- Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
- Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
- Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
- Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.
- Monitor loading processes to ensure that materials are loaded according to specifications.
- Measure, weigh, or verify levels of rock, gravel, or other excavated material to prevent equipment overloads.
- Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- Move mine cars into position for loading and unloading, using pinchbars inserted under car wheels to position cars under loading spouts.
- Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.
- Signal workers to move loaded cars.
- Guide and stop cars by switching, applying brakes, or placing scotches, or wooden wedges, between wheels and rails.
- Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.
- Read written instructions or confer with supervisors about schedules and materials to be moved.
- Notify switching departments to deliver specific types of cars.
- Maintain records of materials moved.
- Direct other workers to move stakes, place blocks, position anchors or cables, or move materials.
- Push or ride cars down slopes, or hook cars to cables and control cable drum brakes, to ease cars down inclines.
- Open and close bottom doors of cars to dump contents.
- Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.
- Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
- Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
- Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.
- Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
- Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
- Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
- Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.
- Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.
- Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.
- Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.
- Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
- Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.
- Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.
- Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.
- Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.
- Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.
- Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.
- Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.
- Direct or coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading or unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, or operating, maintaining, or repairing ship equipment.
- Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
- Purchase supplies or equipment.
- Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.
- Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.
- Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.
- Interview and hire crew members.
- Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.
- Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
