BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasRail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

O*NET · 47-4061.00

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

Also called Ballast Cleaning Machine Operator · Machine Operator · Portable Grinding Machine Operator · Rail Maintenance Worker · Rail Track Layer · Rail Track Maintainer · Railroad Track Mechanic · Railway Equipment Operator
28 more

Section Hand · Section Laborer · Special Equipment Operator · TEO · Track Dresser · Track Equipment Operator (TEO) · Track Grinder Operator · Track Inspector · Track Laborer · Track Layer · Track Laying Equipment Operator · Track Laying Machine Operator · Track Machine Operator · Track Machine Operator Repairer · Track Maintainer · Track Man · Track Mechanic · Track Moving Machine Operator · Track Repair Person · Track Repair Worker · Track Repairer · Track Service Person · Track Service Worker · Track Surfacing Machine Operator · Track Walker · Track Worker · Trackman · Trackwalker

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Roustabouts, Oil and Gas

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.11
  • I Investigative1.70
  • A Artistic1.00
  • S Social1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma26%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent68%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
  • Bachelor's Degree3%
Related work experience
None (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (58%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Writingbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Persuasion2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Negotiation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.60.6
  • Operations Analysis1.50.5
  • Installation1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

21 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.4.4
  2. Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.4.3
  3. Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.4.2
  4. Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.4.1
  5. Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.4.0
  6. Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.3.9
  7. Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.3.9
  8. Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.3.9
  9. Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.3.9
  10. Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.3.9
  11. Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.3.8
  12. Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.3.8
Show the other 14
  1. Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.3.7
  2. Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.3.7
  3. Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.3.6
  4. Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.3.6
  5. Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.3.6
  6. Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.3.6
  7. Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.3.5
  8. Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.3.3
  9. String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.3.3
  10. Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.3.9
  11. Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.3.6
  12. Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.3.6
  13. Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.3.5
  14. Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Public Safety and Security3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Transportation3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Mechanical3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Production and Processing3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Building and Construction3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Mathematics3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Education and Training3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Customer and Personal Service3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Engineering and Technology3.14.4Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Physics3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Design2.82.9
  • Administrative2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Computers and Electronics2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Telecommunications2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Law and Government2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing2.32.8
  • Geography2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Chemistry1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Psychology1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Food Production1.6—
  • Foreign Language1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Therapy and Counseling1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • History and Archeology1.5—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Biology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Multilimb Coordination3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Reaction Time3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Control Precision3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Far Vision3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
Show all 52
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Trunk Strength3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Visualization3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Rate Control3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Static Strength3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Dynamic Strength2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Response Orientation2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Stamina2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speech Clarity2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Written Comprehension2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Category Flexibility2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Glare Sensitivity2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Speed of Closure2.52.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Written Expression2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Fluency of Ideas2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Speech Recognition2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Explosive Strength2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Memorization2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral Vision2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Night Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects4.55.9
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.44.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.35.8
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Processing Information3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Training and Teaching Others3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.14.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.04.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.62.7
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.53.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.42.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.7
  • Working with Computers2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.1

Technology

3 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (1)
  • Timekeeping software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
  2. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  3. Millwrights
  4. Pile Driver Operators
  5. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  6. Rail Car Repairers
  7. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  8. Construction Laborers
  9. Hoist and Winch Operators
  10. Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.