Signal / Track Switch Repairer

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Railroad Signal Maintainer; Signal and Communications Maintainer; Signal Inspector; Signal Maintainer; Signal Maintenance Technician; Signal System Testing Maintainer; Signal Technician; Signalman; Train Control Electronic Technician; Train Control Technician

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.
• Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
• Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Transportation
• English Language
• Public Safety and Security
• Engineering and Technology
• Telecommunications
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Multilimb Coordination
• Far Vision
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Reaction Time
• Near Vision
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Selective Attention
• Trunk Strength
• Depth Perception
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity