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Occupation AtlasSignal and Track Switch Repairers

O*NET · 49-9097.00

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

Also called Communications Maintainer · Electric Track Switch Maintainer · Gate Technician · Light Rail Signal Technician · Rail Signal Designer · Rail Signal Inspector · Rail Signal Mechanic · Rail Track Maintainer
19 more

Railroad Signal Maintainer · Railroad Transportation Signal Maintainer · Railway Signal Technician · Register Repairer · Signal and Communications Maintainer · Signal Expert · Signal Inspector · Signal Maintainer · Signal Maintenance Technician · Signal Mechanic · Signal System Testing Maintainer · Signal Systems Expert · Signal Technician · Signal Worker · Signalman · Test Signal Technician · Traffic Signal Inspector · Train Control Electronic Technician · Train Control Technician

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.49
  • C Conventional4.46
  • I Investigative2.64
  • S Social1.19
  • E Enterprising1.01
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma34%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent29%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate24%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (19%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (23%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Troubleshooting4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Equipment Maintenance4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Repairing4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Quality Control Analysis3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Equipment Selection3.62.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Operation and Control3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Writingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Installation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Speakingbasic2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Coordination2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Instructing2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Programming2.00.9
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.80.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Operations Analysis1.1—

Tasks

12 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.4.5
  2. Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.4.3
  3. Drive motor vehicles to job sites.4.1
  4. Test and repair track circuits.4.1
  5. Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.4.0
  6. Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.4.0
  7. Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.3.9
  8. Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.3.9
  9. Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.3.8
  10. Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.3.8
  11. Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.3.5
  12. Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Transportation3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Public Safety and Security3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Computers and Electronics3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Engineering and Technology3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Telecommunications3.12.9
  • Building and Construction2.94.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
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  • Law and Government2.82.8
  • Mathematics2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Design2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training2.62.6
  • Administration and Management2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Production and Processing1.82.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administrative1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Chemistry1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media1.71.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Geography1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Physics1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Psychology1.31.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.30.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Sales and Marketing1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Foreign Language1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Finger Dexterity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Visualization3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
Show all 52
  • Far Vision3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Multilimb Coordination3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.8
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision3.33.6
  • Reaction Time3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective Attention3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Clarity3.02.6
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Category Flexibility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Static Strength2.92.9
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Written Comprehension2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Memorization2.82.8
  • Response Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
  • Glare Sensitivity2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.52.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Peripheral Vision2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Sound Localization2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Night Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Explosive Strength1.40.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.82.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting Information3.62.1Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.35.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.34.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.04.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Processing Information2.82.9
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Working with Computers2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.7
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.62.7
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.52.9
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.6
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.6
  • Thinking Creatively2.22.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.7
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.5
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.4

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
  • Maintenance management software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  2. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
  3. Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  4. Rail Car Repairers
  5. Avionics Technicians
  6. Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  7. Lighting Technicians
  8. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  9. Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  10. Power Distributors and Dispatchers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.