What they do: Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

Career Cluster

What do they typically do on the job?

    Personality

    People with Realistic interests typically prefer working with their hands, tools, machines, and equipment. They enjoy practical, concrete tasks and problem-solving.

    Practical

    Hands-on

    Problem Solver

    Independent

    Persistent

    Does this sound like something you'd like to do?

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    • Talk to someone who works in this field or spend a day job shadowing
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    Data for NSI career cards comes from the following: Idaho Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET, MyNextMove, and Career OneStop