Locomotive Engineers
What is a Locomotive Engineer?
Locomotive Engineers are trained professionals responsible for operating locomotives and trains. They play a crucial role in the transportation industry, ensuring that freight and passengers reach their destinations safely and on time. These engineers are adept at navigating the complexities of rail systems, including managing train speeds, signaling systems, and track conditions. Their work involves monitoring various instruments, maintaining communication with dispatchers, and following established safety protocols. Locomotive Engineers must have a deep understanding of mechanical systems, as well as the ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations, making quick decisions to ensure safety and efficiency. Their role also requires adherence to regulatory standards set by transportation authorities, as well as continuous training and certification to keep up with evolving technologies in the rail industry. Overall, Locomotive Engineers combine technical expertise with strong problem-solving skills to operate one of the most critical components of the freight and passenger travel systems.
Tasks
- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Expert system software
- Word processing software
- Route navigation software
- Time accounting software
Tools Used
- Screwdrivers
- Rail switching systems
- Electric freight locomotives
- Train braking systems
- Diesel freight locomotives
Knowledge
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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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.
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
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.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Active Listening
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.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Response Orientation
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.
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Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Depth Perception
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.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
Work Interests
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Realistic
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.
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Conventional
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.
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Investigative
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$59450.0 - $92670.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.