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>Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
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.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $47K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $65K
Median Salary: $76K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $84K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $96K
Demand
Core Tasks
Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
Test and repair track circuits.
Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
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.
Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.
Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
Test air lines and air cylinders on pneumatically operated gates.
Maintain high tension lines, de-energizing lines for power companies when repairs are requested.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Transportation
75%
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mechanical
74%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
72%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Public Safety and Security
71%
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.
Engineering and Technology
62%
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.
Telecommunications
62%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Computers and Electronics
61%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Building and Construction
58%
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Law and Government
57%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mathematics
56%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Top 10 Skills
Troubleshooting
83%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance
80%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
80%
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Quality Control Analysis
78%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking
75%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
75%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Selection
73%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Complex Problem Solving
68%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening
60%
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.
Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
75%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
75%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity
75%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Finger Dexterity
73%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure
73%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Manual Dexterity
73%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visual Color Discrimination
73%
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization
73%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Far Vision
70%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Multilimb Coordination
70%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Top 10 Work Activities
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
76%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
76%
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
72%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information
72%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
72%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
70%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
68%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Performing General Physical Activities
67%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Handling and Moving Objects
65%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
65%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
Inspect equipment to locate or identify electrical problems.
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
Repair electrical circuits or wiring.
Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
Maintain work equipment or machinery.
Adjust the tension of nuts or bolts.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Inspect electrical or electronic systems for defects.
Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
Control power supply connections.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Structured versus Unstructured Work
To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
48%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
29%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
24%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
15%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
81%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
80%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control
79%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
77%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Integrity
76%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation
74%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative
74%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
73%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
72%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Achievement/Effort
71%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Work Values
Support
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
60%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
