According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported. | 90% |
| Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts. | 85% |
| Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs. | 83% |
| Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks. | 81% |
| Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails. | 81% |
| Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together. | 79% |
| String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled. | 79% |
| Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws. | 79% |
| Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills. | 78% |
| Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels. | 78% |
| Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes. | 78% |
| Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks. | 77% |
| Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement. | 76% |
| Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications. | 76% |
| Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges. | 76% |
| Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails. | 76% |
| Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained. | 75% |
| Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders. | 74% |
| Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment. | 73% |
| Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders. | 73% |
| Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties. | 70% |
| Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications. | 70% |
| Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved. | 70% |
| Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails. | 69% |
| Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings. | 68% |
| Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering. | 63% |
