Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
What is a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators?
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators are specialized professionals responsible for the operation of heavy machinery used in the construction, installation, and maintenance of railway tracks. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and functionality of rail systems by laying new tracks, repairing existing ones, and performing regular maintenance. This includes tasks such as spreading gravel, installing rail ties, and coupling and uncoupling rail cars. Operators must have a strong understanding of the equipment they use, which can include rail ballast regulators, rail grinders, and track welding machines. Their work often requires adherence to strict safety regulations and protocols, as well as the ability to work in various weather conditions and physically demanding environments. Through their efforts, Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators contribute to the overall efficiency and reliability of rail transport systems, making them a crucial component of the rail industry.
Tasks
- Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
- Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
- Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
- Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
- Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Time accounting software
- Timekeeping software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Tools Used
- Pry bars
- Impact wrenches
- Pneumatic hammer
- Measuring tapes
- Pneumatic impact wrenches
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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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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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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Administration and Management
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.
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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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
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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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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Multilimb Coordination
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.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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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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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
- Maintain mechanical equipment.
- Weld metal components.
- Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
- Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$46350.0 - $82340.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.