Will “Light Rail Signal Technician” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.

• Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.

• Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.

• Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.

• Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.

• Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.

• Drive motor vehicles to job sites.

• Test and repair track circuits.

• Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.

• Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.

• Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.