Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

• Brake Coupler, Road Freight
• Brake Holder
• Braker, Passenger Train
• Locomotive Operator Helper
• Switch Tender
• Yard Coupler

• Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
• Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
• Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
• Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
• Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
• Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
• Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
• Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
• Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
• Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
• Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
• Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
• Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
• Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
• Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
• Refuel and lubricate engines.
• Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
• Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
• Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
• Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.

• answer customer or public inquiries
• assist patrons or passengers to find seats
• climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
• collect payment
• couple or uncouple railroad cars
• inspect railroad equipment
• load/unload passenger luggage or cargo
• monitor railroad vehicle or equipment operation
• move or fit heavy objects
• observe signal from other crewmembers
• operate track switches
• perform safety inspections in transportation setting
• provide personal services to passengers
• read switching order, train orders, or arrival or departure schedules
• repair railroad equipment or tracks
• service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
• set flares, flags, lanterns or torpedoes during emergency stops
• signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• throw track switches to route cars
• understand railroad signals
• use hand or power tools
• use two-way radio or mobile phone
• verify ticket or pass
• watch for or relay traffic signals