Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

AI and automation are likely to significantly impact this role. Automated train operation systems and remote monitoring technologies could reduce the need for on-site human operators for certain tasks, particularly in switch control and signal monitoring. However, human oversight will remain crucial for safety, complex problem-solving, and unexpected situations, shifting the role towards supervision and maintenance of advanced systems.