Locomotive Firers :: Job Description

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Locomotive Firers

Careers / Locomotive Firers

Summary Description


	Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Assistant Engineer

2.	Assistant Passenger Locomotive Engineer

3.	Diesel Locomotive Firer

4.	Diesel Locomotive Firer/Fireman

5.	Dinkey Engine Firer

6.	Dinkey Engine Firer/Fireman

7.	Donkey Engine Firer/Fireman

8.	Electric Locomotive Firer/Fireman

9.	Engineer Assistant

10.	Fireman

11.	Firer

12.	Locomotive Engineer

13.	Locomotive Firer/Fireman

14.	Passenger Locomotive Engineer

15.	Railroad Firer

16.	Railroad Firer/Fireman

17.	Roundhouse Firer/Fireman

18.	Shop Firer/Fireman

19.	Steam Locomotive Firer/Fireman

Job Tasks

	Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers. Monitor traffic signals.

	Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.

	Receive signals from workers in rear of train and relay that information to engineers. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks. Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.

	Operate locomotives in emergency situations. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand. Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.

	Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently. Monitor engine operation or functioning. Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.

	Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Nearly all locomotive engineers; conductors and yardmasters; and brake, signal, and switch operators work in the rail transportation industry. Rail yard engineers work in rail transportation and also support activities for rail.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

At 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 3, 1967, the entire nation of Sweden switched from driving on the left to driving on the right.

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