Will “Transportation Specialist” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.

• Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.

• Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.

• Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.

• 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.

• Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.

• Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.

• Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.

• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.

• Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.

• Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.

• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.

• Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.

• Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.