Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

• 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.
• Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
• Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
• Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
• Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
• Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
• Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
• Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
• Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
• Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
• Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
• Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
• Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators.

• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• 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.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• 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.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators.