To work as a railroad brake, signal, and switch operator, you must:

have a high school diploma or GED;

be in good physical condition;

have some work experience; and

complete on-the-job training.

May work any shift, including evenings and weekends.

May work more than 40 hours a week during busy periods.

RAILROAD BRAKE, SIGNAL AND SWITCH OPERATORS will:

Do a variety of tasks, from repair to rerouting

Often work alone

Usually work outdoors

May work any shift, including evenings and weekends

RAILOROAD BRAKE, SIGNAL AND SWITCH OPERATORS frequently:

Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

Bend or twist their body.

Repeat the same movements.

Walk around the yard and run to get on or off moving cars.

Stand, bend, and twist when loading freight and repairing rails.

It is important that RAILROAD BRAKE, SIGNAL AND SWITCH OPERATORS be able to:

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.