[Core] Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
  DWAs: Monitor traffic signals.

[Core] Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
  DWAs: Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

[Core] Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
  DWAs: Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.

[Core] Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  DWAs: Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

[Core] Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
  DWAs: Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.

[Core] Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

[Core] Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  DWAs: Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.

[Core] Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Core] Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
  DWAs: Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.

[Core] Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
  DWAs: Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.

[Core] Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
  DWAs: Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

[Core] Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

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

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

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

[Core] Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
  DWAs: Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

[Core] Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. | Arrange maintenance activities.

[Core] Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Core] Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
  DWAs: Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

[Core] Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
  DWAs: Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.

[Supplemental] Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Supplemental] Refuel and lubricate engines.
  DWAs: Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

[Supplemental] Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Supplemental] Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  DWAs: Record operational or production data. | Record service or repair activities.

[Supplemental] Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
  DWAs: Assist passengers during vehicle boarding.

[None] Conduct brake tests to determine the condition of brakes on trains.
  DWAs: Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.

--- SKILLS ---
  Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Listening (imp:3.25 lvl:2.88) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.25 lvl:2.88) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Speaking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Writing (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Transportation (imp:3.85 lvl:4.21) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.46 lvl:3.67) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Mechanical (imp:3.30 lvl:3.82) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  English Language (imp:3.16 lvl:2.89) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:2.77 lvl:2.72) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Law and Government (imp:2.60 lvl:2.46) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Education and Training (imp:2.56 lvl:2.76) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Telecommunications (imp:2.37 lvl:1.66) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Psychology (imp:2.29 lvl:2.30) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Mathematics (imp:2.17 lvl:2.08) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Administration and Management (imp:2.13 lvl:1.80) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Physics (imp:2.02 lvl:1.89) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.01 lvl:1.83) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.95 lvl:1.69) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Administrative (imp:1.94 lvl:1.85) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.92 lvl:1.58) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Communications and Media (imp:1.88 lvl:1.30) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Geography (imp:1.85 lvl:1.55) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Production and Processing (imp:1.60 lvl:1.08) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Chemistry (imp:1.51 lvl:1.05) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.43 lvl:0.66) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Building and Construction (imp:1.35 lvl:0.64) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.33) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.33) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.32 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Design (imp:1.32 lvl:0.74) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.31 lvl:0.70) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Biology (imp:1.16 lvl:0.35) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Foreign Language (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  History and Archeology (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Food Production (imp:1.06) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Fine Arts (imp:1.04) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Control Precision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.50) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.62 lvl:2.88) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Far Vision (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Reaction Time (imp:3.50 lvl:3.75) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:3.38 lvl:3.25) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:3.38 lvl:3.25) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Oral Expression (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.25 lvl:2.88) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.12) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:2.62) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Time Sharing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Written Expression (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Static Strength (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Depth Perception (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Explosive Strength (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Night Vision (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Originality (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Spatial Orientation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Stamina (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.38 lvl:2.88) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Number Facility (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Memorization (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.29 lvl:4.49) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.22 lvl:4.84) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.12 lvl:4.34) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.10 lvl:4.70) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.98 lvl:4.62) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.77 lvl:4.11) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:3.75 lvl:4.25) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.71 lvl:4.34) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.62 lvl:3.93) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.60 lvl:4.67) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.49 lvl:4.28) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.25 lvl:3.18) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.25 lvl:3.03) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Processing Information (imp:3.23 lvl:3.44) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.10 lvl:3.67) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.10 lvl:2.91) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.10 lvl:3.83) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.00 lvl:3.04) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:2.98 lvl:3.19) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.98 lvl:3.04) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.91 lvl:3.17) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.75 lvl:2.74) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.59 lvl:2.23) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.57 lvl:2.32) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.55 lvl:2.33) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.53 lvl:2.40) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.47 lvl:2.71) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.46 lvl:2.84) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.31 lvl:2.12) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.30 lvl:2.04) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.25 lvl:2.64) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.24 lvl:2.33) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.21) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.01 lvl:1.52) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Working with Computers (imp:1.92 lvl:1.85) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.92 lvl:1.52) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:1.77 lvl:1.45) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.52 lvl:1.00) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.50 lvl:0.86) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.33 lvl:0.51) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Dependability (imp:2.65) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.50) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.34) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:1.89) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.86) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control (imp:1.66) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Cooperation (imp:1.63) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.46) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Adaptability (imp:0.94) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.89) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.70) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Sincerity (imp:0.41) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Social Orientation (imp:0.38) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Initiative (imp:0.36) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Humility (imp:0.19) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.01) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.05) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Empathy (imp:-0.14) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.21) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.55) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.64) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:2.62) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.00 lvl:2.38) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:2.62) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Instructing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Persuasion (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Negotiation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Repairing (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.75) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.50 lvl:0.75) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 12,400
  annual_median    : $68,840
  annual_pct10     : $45,660
  annual_pct25     : $57,820
  annual_pct75     : $76,590
  annual_pct90     : $86,590
  annual_mean      : $69,030
  hourly_median    : $33.10

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Washington ($85,140)
  lowest_state     : Wyoming ($45,490)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.872x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (24 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:   11,520  median: $  67,770
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      780  median: $  86,590
  Manufacturing                            emp:       40  median: $  51,370

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (3 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:   11,520  median: $  67,770
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      780  median: $  86,590
  Manufacturing                            emp:       40  median: $  51,370

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:33:47.190329Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: North American railroad signals (similarity: 0.3299)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_railroad_signals
  QID: Q7053933
  Extract: North American railroad signals generally fall into the category of multi-headed electrically lit units displaying speed-based or weak route signaling. Signals may be of the searchlight, color light, position light, or color position light types, each displaying a variety of aspects which inform the

  Title: Glossary of rail transport terms (similarity: 0.2449)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_rail_transport_terms
  QID: Q2341962
  Extract: Rail transport terms are a form of technical terminology applied to railways. Although many terms are uniform across different nations and companies, they are by no means universal, with differences often originating from parallel development of rail transport systems in different parts of the world

  Title: Pennsylvania Railroad class GG1 (similarity: 0.2680)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Railroad_class_GG1
  QID: Q197861
  Extract: The Pennsylvania Railroad Class GG1 is a class of streamlined electric locomotives built for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), in the northeastern United States. The class was known for its striking art deco shell, its ability to pull trains at up to 100 mph, and its long operating career of almost 5

  Title: Regenerative braking (similarity: 0.2326)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_braking
  QID: Q580078
  Extract: Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy or potential energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed.

  Title: Runaway train (similarity: 0.1013)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_train
  QID: Q17005145
  Extract: A runaway train is a type of railroad incident in which unattended rolling stock is accidentally allowed to roll onto the main line, a moving train loses enough braking power to be unable to stop in safety, or a train operates at unsafe speeds due to loss of operator control. If the uncontrolled rol

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on detailed O*NET task descriptions, clear wage data, and well-defined skill requirements with established career pathways in railroad industry.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T03:08:15.101608+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,468
tokens_output        : 3,996
cost_usd             : $0.042650
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, though railroad signal systems are documented. The closest content covers North American railroad signals, providing context for signal observation duties.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers are essential railroad crew members who ensure safe train operations through signal monitoring, equipment inspection, and train assembly tasks. They operate track switches, couple and uncouple railroad cars, and monitor locomotives for safety hazards while maintaining constant communication with engineers and other crew members. These workers serve as the operational backbone of railroad freight and passenger transportation systems.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day involves observing and relaying train signals to locomotive engineers, ensuring proper communication throughout the route. Workers pull or push track switches to reroute cars and raise levers to couple and uncouple cars during train makeup and breakup operations. They continuously monitor trains for dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes, especially around curves, while inspecting couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes for proper function. The role requires climbing ladders to car tops to set brakes and observing tracks from locomotive sides to detect obstructions. In emergency situations, they may operate locomotives directly.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role possess strong attention to detail and dependability, as safety-critical decisions impact entire rail operations. They demonstrate excellent visual acuity for near and far vision tasks, combined with precise hand-eye coordination and quick reaction times for equipment operation. Successful workers have mechanical aptitude for understanding railroad equipment systems and strong monitoring skills to detect potential hazards. The realistic work environment appeals to those who prefer hands-on, structured tasks with clear safety protocols rather than abstract problem-solving.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training provided by railroad companies, typically lasting several months to a year. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification and conductor training programs are often required, with some positions requiring passing physical fitness and vision tests. Previous experience in transportation, logistics, or mechanical fields can be advantageous but is not typically required.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Workers commonly advance to locomotive engineer positions after gaining experience and additional training, representing a natural progression within railroad operations. Some may move into railroad conductor or yardmaster roles, which involve greater supervisory responsibilities. Others transition to specialized maintenance positions such as signal and track switch repairers or rail car repairers, leveraging their operational knowledge of railroad equipment.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs 12,400 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $68,840 according to BLS OEWS May 2025, ranging from $45,660 to $86,590 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is moderate with Washington state leading at $85,140 annually compared to Wyoming's $45,490, representing a 1.87x ratio. Employment is heavily concentrated in Transportation and Warehousing (11,520 workers) with smaller representation in government (780) and manufacturing (40) sectors. The field faces ongoing pressure from automation technologies but maintains stable demand due to safety regulations requiring human oversight.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The role faces moderate automation risk as railroad companies increasingly implement automated switching systems and advanced monitoring technologies. However, safety regulations and the need for human judgment in emergency situations provide some protection against full automation in the near term.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Locomotive Engineers (53-4011.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Natural advancement path requiring similar transportation knowledge and mechanical abilities with higher complexity.
    data: Transportation knowledge 3.9 importance
    data: Operation and Control transferable skill 3.2
  [task_similarity] Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (53-4031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Overlapping duties in train operations, signal monitoring, and equipment coupling with supervisory progression.
    data: Communicating with Supervisors work activity 3.8 importance
    data: Coordination transferable skill 3.0
  [knowledge_overlap] Signal and Track Switch Repairers (49-9097.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared expertise in railroad signal systems and mechanical equipment from operational experience.
    data: Mechanical knowledge 3.3 importance
    data: Control Precision ability 3.8 importance
  [riasec_cluster] Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers (53-4013.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share realistic work orientation emphasizing hands-on mechanical operations and equipment control.
    data: RIASEC Realistic 7.00
    data: Operating Vehicles work activity 3.8 importance
  [transferable_skill] Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Common vehicle operation skills and monitoring capabilities translate across transportation equipment.
    data: Operations Monitoring transferable skill 3.4
    data: Job Zone 2 preparation level

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['railroad brake', 'signal operator', 'switch operator', 'locomotive firer', 'train coupling', 'railroad signals', 'track switch', 'brake operator']
  exclude_keywords : ['locomotive engineer', 'conductor', 'train dispatcher', 'signal maintainer', 'track repair']
  title_patterns   : ['Brake*', '*Signal*Operator', '*Switch*Operator', '*Firer', '*Brake*Railroad']
  common_variations: ['railroad brakeman', 'signal and switch operator', 'locomotive fireman', 'brake operator', 'railroad signal operator', 'track switch operator', 'train brake operator', 'railroad brake operator']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['others', 'tendency', 'equipment', 'railroad', 'cars', 'locomotives', 'control', 'principles', 'signal', 'activities', 'rail', 'includes', 'objects', 'trains', 'detect', 'operate', 'monitoring', 'ideas', 'hand', 'problems']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
others                     43  0.01512  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  dwas:9%  inference:2%
tendency                   42  0.01477  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
equipment                  40  0.01407  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:57%  dwas:28%  inference:12%
railroad                   21  0.00739  inference            inference:62%  wikipedia:24%  dwas:14%
cars                       16  0.00563  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:81%  inference:19%
locomotives                16  0.00563  dwas                 dwas:56%  onet_tasks:25%  inference:12%
control                    16  0.00563  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  wikipedia:12%  onet_tasks:6%
principles                 16  0.00563  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
signal                     12  0.00422  inference            inference:42%  dwas:33%  onet_tasks:17%
activities                 12  0.00422  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  dwas:17%  onet_tasks:8%
rail                       12  0.00422  dwas                 dwas:50%  wikipedia:25%  inference:17%
includes                   12  0.00422  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00422  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
trains                     11  0.00387  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:82%  wikipedia:9%  inference:9%
detect                     11  0.00387  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:36%  onet_tasks:27%  dwas:18%
operate                    11  0.00387  dwas                 dwas:36%  onet_dimensions:27%  onet_tasks:18%
monitoring                 11  0.00387  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  inference:27%
ideas                      11  0.00387  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
hand                       10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:10%
problems                   10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  dwas:10%
operations                 10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  inference:40%
techniques                 10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
materials                  10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       10  0.00352  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
signals                     9  0.00317  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:33%  wikipedia:22%  inference:22%
needs                       9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  onet_tasks:11%
needed                      9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  onet_tasks:11%  wikipedia:11%
moving                      9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  wikipedia:22%
human                       9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
resources                   9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
production                  9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  dwas:11%
quickly                     9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
performing                  9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  dwas:11%
orientation                 9  0.00317  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
vehicles                    9  0.00317  dwas                 dwas:56%  onet_dimensions:44%
engines                     8  0.00281  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:100%
problem                     8  0.00281  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
procedures                  8  0.00281  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
rules                       8  0.00281  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
mechanical                  8  0.00281  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  inference:25%  dwas:12%