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Career Details : Locomotive Firers

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Description

Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.

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.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

  • Observes track from left side of locomotive to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Signals other worker to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from train to way stations.
  • Observes train as it goes around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
  • Observes oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboard to ascertain if engine is operating safely and efficiently.
  • Inventories supplies, such as fuel, water, and sand, to ensure safe, efficient operation during run.
  • Inspects locomotive to detect damaged or worn parts.
  • Observes signal from workers in rear of train and relays information to engineer.
  • Starts diesel engine to warm engine before run.
  • Observes train signals along route and verifies their meaning for engineer.
  • Operates locomotive during emergency.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Degree of Automation
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety

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