Signal and Track Switch Repairers Go Back to List Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Facilities management software

Tasks
	Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
	Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
	Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
	Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
	Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
	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.
	Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
	Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
	Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.

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.
	Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

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

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related 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.

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