What Do Signal and Track Switch Repairers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Signal and Track Switch Repairers install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

Salary
$75970
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

Signal and Track Switch Repairers install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system. They also install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.

Other tasks include:

  • Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
  • Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
  • Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
  • Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
  • Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
  • Maintain high tension lines, de-energizing lines for power companies when repairs are requested.

We asked Signal and Track Switch Repairers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

67%

How meaningful is this job

52%


67% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Signal and Track Switch Repairers drive motor vehicles to job sites. They record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.

A typical day for a Signal and Track Switch Repairer will also include:

  • Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
  • Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
  • Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
  • Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
  • Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.

We asked some Signal and Track Switch Repairers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 57% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 45% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 56% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 13% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 14% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 51% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Signal and Track Switch Repairers also inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts. They may also inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Signal and Track Switch Repairers Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents. They might also Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.

In addition, they Maintain high tension lines, de-energizing lines for power companies when repairs are requested.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.

To some Signal and Track Switch Repairers, it is also their responsibility to Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Signal and Track Switch Repairer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Signal and Track Switch Repairers work in an office-style work environment?

Once a month
31%


Once a week
23%


Do Signal and Track Switch Repairers work outdoors?

Every day
92%


Once a week
5%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Organizers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Signal and Track Switch Repairers

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Related to Signal and Track Switch Repairers Job Description

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Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499097.htm


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