Occupation

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Human Advantage 63%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.8 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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

Also Known As: 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

Core Tasks

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

Education & Training

Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Less than a High School Diploma
34%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
29%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
24%
Some College Courses
10%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (8)

  • Maintenance management software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (31)

  • Adjustable hand wrenches
  • Articulating aerial lift equipment
  • Audio spectrum analyzers
  • Brush cutting equipment
  • Clamp-on ammeters
  • Closed circuit television CCTV systems
  • Digital oscilloscopes
  • Digital still cameras
  • Digital timers
  • Digital voltage meters
  • Frequency specific volt meters
  • Hotbox detectors
  • Inkjet computer printers
  • Inkjet fax machines
  • Laptop computers
  • Mechanical lifts
  • Meggers
  • Multi-tip screwdrivers
  • Multipurpose hammers
  • Personal computers
  • Power drills
  • Power grinders
  • Relay testers
  • Shovels
  • Slip joint pliers
  • Spectrum analyzers
  • Switch machines
  • Switch obstruction gauges
  • Terminal post wrenches
  • Wheel forklifts
  • Wire crimpers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 3
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