According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. | 99% |
| Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. | 97% |
| Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives. | 96% |
| Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs. | 96% |
| Observe tracks to detect obstructions. | 96% |
| Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings. | 95% |
| Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. | 93% |
| Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations. | 92% |
| Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules. | 89% |
| Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems. | 89% |
| Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment. | 88% |
| Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. | 86% |
| Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use. | 83% |
| Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage. | 81% |
| Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks. | 71% |
