Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
<ul><li>Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.</li><li>Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.</li><li>Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.</li><li>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.</li><li>Observe tracks to detect obstructions.</li><li>Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.</li><li>Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.</li><li>Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.</li><li>Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.</li><li>Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.</li><li>Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.</li><li>Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.</li><li>Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.</li></ul>