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Miscellaneous transportation workers, including bridge and lock tenders and traffic technicians

Job Zone
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.94
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.90
  • Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.90
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.89
  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.88
  • Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.87
  • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.86
  • Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.85
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.83
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.81
  • Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.81
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.80
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  • Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.79
  • 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.76
  • Inspect each car periodically during runs.76
  • Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.76
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.75
  • Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.67
  • Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.66
  • Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Coordination69

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Monitoring69

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Speaking69

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking66

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

  • Active Listening63

    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.

  • Judgment and Decision Making63

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Time Management63

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Operations Monitoring60

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

  • Complex Problem Solving56

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

  • Operation and Control56

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Reading Comprehension53

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Active Learning50

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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  • Management of Personnel Resources50

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Persuasion50

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Quality Control Analysis50

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Systems Analysis50

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation50

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Writing50

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Instructing47

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Service Orientation47

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness47

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Learning Strategies44

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Negotiation38

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Mathematics31

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Troubleshooting31

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Management of Material Resources22

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Operations Analysis22

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Management of Financial Resources19

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Programming13

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Science13

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Technology Design10

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Equipment Maintenance3

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Equipment Selection0

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

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • Public Safety and Security75

    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.

  • Transportation74

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

  • English Language62

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Education and Training53

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

  • Law and Government50

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Customer and Personal Service49

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Mechanical47

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Telecommunications47

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Computers and Electronics45

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Mathematics42

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Administration and Management41

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Chemistry37

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

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  • Physics36

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

  • Geography35

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Administrative34

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Psychology33

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Communications and Media32

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Personnel and Human Resources30

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Engineering and Technology28

    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.

  • Therapy and Counseling27

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Production and Processing25

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Sales and Marketing23

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Sociology and Anthropology22

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Medicine and Dentistry21

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Biology17

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Economics and Accounting16

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Design15

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

  • History and Archeology14

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Philosophy and Theology14

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Building and Construction12

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Food Production11

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Foreign Language8

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Fine Arts7

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Oral Comprehension72

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Problem Sensitivity72

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Far Vision66

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Near Vision66

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Speech Clarity66

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition66

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Information Ordering63

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Deductive Reasoning60

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning60

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Reaction Time56

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Written Comprehension56

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

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  • Auditory Attention53

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Category Flexibility53

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Control Precision53

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Perceptual Speed53

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Selective Attention53

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Visualization53

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Written Expression53

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Depth Perception50

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Flexibility of Closure50

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Time Sharing50

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness47

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Hearing Sensitivity47

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Multilimb Coordination47

    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.

  • Rate Control47

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Finger Dexterity44

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium44

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Manual Dexterity44

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Speed of Closure44

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Trunk Strength44

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Visual Color Discrimination44

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Fluency of Ideas41

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Originality41

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Response Orientation41

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Static Strength41

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Extent Flexibility38

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Gross Body Coordination38

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Spatial Orientation38

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Speed of Limb Movement38

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Stamina38

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Mathematical Reasoning35

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility35

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Glare Sensitivity31

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Memorization31

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Peripheral Vision31

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Dynamic Strength25

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Night Vision22

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Sound Localization22

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed22

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Explosive Strength0

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Getting Information84

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

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74

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

  • Performing General Physical Activities73

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Documenting/Recording Information71

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Handling and Moving Objects66

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

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings65

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work63

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge63

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes59

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems56

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Working with Computers55

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others53

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships52

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Processing Information49

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Training and Teaching Others46

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Analyzing Data or Information44

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment44

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others41

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information41

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Coaching and Developing Others40

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others40

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People39

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Performing Administrative Activities39

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities38

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization37

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public37

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies36

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates35

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others33

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Developing and Building Teams31

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others29

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Thinking Creatively29

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources24

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment22

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment19

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Staffing Organizational Units19

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment13

    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.

  • Selling or Influencing Others13

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Dependability88

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Cautiousness87

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Attention to Detail79

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Leadership Orientation75

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Stress Tolerance74

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Integrity70

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Self-Control64

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Cooperation61

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Perseverance59

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Adaptability56

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Self-Confidence54

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Social Orientation44

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

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  • Achievement Orientation42

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Initiative35

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity30

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Optimism26

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Sincerity23

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Empathy9

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity9

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Realistic80

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional65

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Enterprising46

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Investigative16

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Social14

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Artistic0

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day93%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious88%
  • Contact With Others

    • Health and Safety of Other Workers

      • Exposed to Contaminants

        • Every day83%
      • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

        • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

          • Frequency of Decision Making

            • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

              • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

                • Every day83%
              • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

                • Every day68%
              • Duration of Typical Work Week

                • More than 40 hours67%
                • 40 hours33%
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              • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

                • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

                  • Very important results35%
                  • Important results63%
                • Freedom to Make Decisions

                  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

                    • Very important26%
                  • Time Pressure

                    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
                  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

                    • Very important23%
                  • E-Mail

                    • Every day32%
                    • Once a year or more but not every month13%
                  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

                    • Very important22%
                  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

                    • Conflict Situations

                      • Once a month or more but not every week14%
                    • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

                      • Once a week or more but not every day11%
                      • Never24%
                    • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

                      • Once a week or more but not every day33%
                    • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

                      • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

                        • Telephone Conversations

                          • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

                            • Physical Proximity

                              • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)31%
                            • Spend Time Standing

                              • Less than half the time40%
                            • Written Letters and Memos

                              • Every day24%
                              • Once a year or more but not every month35%
                            • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

                              • Spend Time Sitting

                                • More than half the time22%
                              • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

                                • Spend Time Walking or Running

                                  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

                                    • Continually or almost continually15%
                                    • Less than half the time12%
                                    • Never24%
                                  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

                                    • Very important14%
                                  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

                                    • Extremely important11%
                                    • Important31%
                                  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

                                    • Level of Competition

                                      • Highly competitive14%
                                    • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

                                      • Every day30%
                                    • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

                                      • Once a year or more but not every month28%
                                      • Never26%
                                    • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

                                      • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

                                        • Outdoors, Under Cover

                                          • Public Speaking

                                            • Every day20%
                                          • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

                                            • About half the time13%
                                          • Exposed to High Places

                                            • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

                                              • Less than half the time25%
                                            • Work Schedules

                                              • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

                                                • Degree of Automation

                                                  • Moderately automated24%
                                                • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

                                                  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

                                                    • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

                                                      • Exposed to Disease or Infections

                                                        • Exposed to Radiation

                                                          Typical Education Levels Reported

                                                          Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

                                                          • High school diploma or equivalent
                                                          • Post-secondary certificate
                                                          • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

                                                          Technology Skills

                                                          Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

                                                          • Spreadsheet software

                                                            Microsoft Excel

                                                          • Presentation software

                                                            Microsoft PowerPoint

                                                          • Industrial control software

                                                            Automated equipment identification AEI software, RailComm DocYard, SAIC government services and IT support software, Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System

                                                          • Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

                                                            Bourque Data Systems YardMaster, Freight reservation software

                                                          • Inventory management software

                                                            Inventory tracking software, Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager

                                                          • Electronic mail software

                                                            Microsoft Outlook

                                                          • Expert system software

                                                            Positive train control PTC systems

                                                          • Office suite software

                                                            Microsoft Office software

                                                          • Word processing software

                                                            Microsoft Word

                                                          Professional Associations

                                                          Related Occupations

                                                          Detailed Work Activities

                                                          More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

                                                          • Monitor vehicle movement or location.
                                                          • Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
                                                          • Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
                                                          • Record operational or production data.
                                                          • Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
                                                          • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
                                                          • Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
                                                          • Arrange maintenance activities.
                                                          • Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
                                                          • Direct maintenance or repair activities.
                                                          • Record operational details of travel.
                                                          • Direct emergency management activities.
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                                                          • Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
                                                          • Verify information or specifications.
                                                          • Prepare accident or incident reports.

                                                          Apprenticeship Occupations

                                                          Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

                                                          • Railroad Conductor
                                                          O*NET in-it

                                                          This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

                                                          Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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