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Career Exploration

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Also called: Brakeman, Locomotive Switch Operator, Railroad Switchman, Trainman

What They Do

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

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