Locomotive Firers

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.

Median Annual Wage: $46,740

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (65%); Post-secondary certificate (20%); Some college, no degree (15%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Fireman; Locomotive Engineer; Passenger Locomotive Engineer; Assistant Engineer; Assistant Passenger Locomotive Engineer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Locomotive Firers.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • 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.
  • Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
  • Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
  • Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
  • Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
  • Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
  • Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Locomotive Firers.

  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Locomotive Firers.

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