Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.85
• Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.82
• Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.80
• Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.79
• Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.75
• Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.73
• Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.73
• Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.73
• Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.72
• Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.72
• Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.72
• Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.71

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

• Operation and Control69

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring69

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

• Equipment Maintenance56

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

• Repairing53

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Active Listening50

  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 Making50

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

• Monitoring50

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

• Quality Control Analysis50

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

• Time Management50

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

• Troubleshooting50

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

• Complex Problem Solving44

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

• Coordination44

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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

• Public Safety and Security71

  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.

• Transportation69

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

• Mechanical68

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

• Production and Processing65

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

• Mathematics63

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

• Building and Construction62

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

• Education and Training59

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

• English Language57

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

• Administration and Management55

  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.

• Engineering and Technology54

  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.

• Customer and Personal Service52

  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.

• Physics51

  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.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Multilimb Coordination69

  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.

• Problem Sensitivity69

  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.

• Reaction Time69

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

• Control Precision66

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

• Far Vision66

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Manual Dexterity66

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

• Arm-Hand Steadiness63

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

• Depth Perception56

  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 Closure53

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

• Hearing Sensitivity53

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

• Information Ordering53

  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).

• Near Vision53

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

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects88

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems87

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

• Controlling Machines and Processes85

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

• Getting Information84

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

• Performing General Physical Activities83

  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.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

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

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment77

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

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74

  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.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment74

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

• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others71

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials71

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

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

• Dependability85

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

• Cautiousness76

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

• Attention to Detail73

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

• Stress Tolerance45

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

• Integrity41

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance41

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

• Cooperation34

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

• Self-Control32

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

• Achievement Orientation27

  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.

• Self-Confidence19

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

• Adaptability9

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

• Initiative9

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

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

• Realistic100

  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.

• Conventional52

  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.

• Investigative12

  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.

• 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.

• Enterprising0

  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.

• Social0

  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.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

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

  • Every day84%
  • Once a week or more but not every day14%

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

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day74%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility65%
  • High responsibility29%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

  • Very important results66%
  • Important results29%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others42%
  • Contact with others most of the time58%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important40%
  • Very important57%

• Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility39%
  • High responsibility54%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important53%
  • Very important22%

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day22%
  • Once a month or more but not every week12%

• Physical Proximity

  • Very close (near touching)12%
  • Moderately close (at arm's length)85%

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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Time accounting software

  Timekeeping software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association
• Amalgamated Transit Union
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Millwrights
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Construction Laborers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Mining Machine Operators
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Riggers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Mining Machine Operators
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Maintain mechanical equipment.
• Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
• Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
• Cut metal components for installation.
• Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
• Maintain construction tools or equipment.
• Drill holes in construction materials.
• Clean equipment or facilities.
• Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
• Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
• Apply paint to surfaces.
• Compact materials to create level bases.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Technician