Signal and Track Switch Repairers

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Also known as:
Electric Track Switch Maintainer, Light Rail Signal Technician, Rail Signal Mechanic, Railway Signal Technician, Third Rail Installer, Train Control Electronic Technician, Train Control Technician

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SNAPSHOT

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

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	LOW
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.

Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.

Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.

Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.

Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.

Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.

Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.

Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.

Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.

Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.

Drive motor vehicles to job sites.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

AREAS OF 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.

Transportation	Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

TOP 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.

Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.