Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.

• Firer, Locomotive

• Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
• Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
• Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
• Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
• Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
• Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
• Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
• Receive signals from workers in rear of train and relay that information to engineers.
• Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
• Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.

• examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
• inspect railroad equipment
• inventory stock to ensure adequate supplies
• monitor railroad vehicle or equipment operation
• monitor variables affecting route activities
• observe track to detect obstructions
• operate locomotives, dinkey engines, or other rail vehicles
• perform safety inspections in transportation setting
• signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• transport passengers or cargo
• understand railroad signals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use two-way radio or mobile phone