Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics > Facility and Mobile Equipment MaintenanceProjected Growth: Little or no change
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Common job titles of Signal and Track Switch Repairers include:
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Experience and Education
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
44.39% said they needed a Associate's Degree.
31.57% said they needed a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Tasks
Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
Maintain high tension lines, de-energizing lines for power companies when repairs are requested.
Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
Test air lines and air cylinders on pneumatically operated gates.
Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.
Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
Tools
Wire crimpers
Wheel forklifts
Terminal post wrenches
Switch obstruction gauges
Switch machines
Spectrum analyzers
Slip joint pliers
All ToolsShovels
Relay testers
Power grinders
Power drills
Personal computers
Multipurpose hammers
Multi-tip screwdrivers
Meggers
Mechanical lifts
Laptop computers
Inkjet fax machines
Inkjet computer printers
Hotbox detectors
Frequency specific volt meters
Digital voltage meters
Digital timers
Digital still cameras
Digital oscilloscopes
Closed circuit television CCTV systems
Clamp-on ammeters
Brush cutting equipment
Audio spectrum analyzers
Articulating aerial lift equipment
Adjustable hand wrenches
Technologies
Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Maintenance management software
Skills
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
Occupation Sections
Knowledge
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.