How to Be Railroad Transportation Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 16, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Railroad Transportation Technician is a critical role in the operation of the railroad. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the infrastructure, including tracks, signals, and equipment. As a result, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the trains run safely and reliably.

This technician's work helps prevent delays and keeps the entire transportation network functioning properly. Furthermore, their expertise helps prevent breakdowns and costly repairs which can have an adverse effect on both the economy and public safety. As such, their contributions are essential to the continued success of the railroad industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. To become a Railroad Transportation Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Check with your local school district to find out if they offer classes that can help you complete your diploma.
Earn a postsecondary degree. Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have obtained postsecondary degrees in transportation technology, automotive technology, diesel technology, or a related field.
Get on-the-job training. Many employers provide on-the-job training for their technicians. This provides an opportunity to learn the specific skills and knowledge required to work as a Railroad Transportation Technician.
Gain experience. As you gain experience in the field, you may be eligible for promotions or higher paying positions.
Obtain certification. Many employers require their technicians to obtain certification from the American Association of Railroads (AAR). Certification is available for various positions, including locomotive engineers and conductors.
Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization, such as the AAR, can help you stay abreast of changes in the industry and network with other professionals in the field.

Becoming a skilled and competent railroad transportation technician requires dedication and hard work. The first step is to obtain the necessary education, either by attending a college or technical school program, or by gaining on-the-job experience. Once the proper education is achieved, the individual must also complete a certification process and pass certain tests in order to become certified as a railroad transportation technician.

With the proper education and certification, individuals can then demonstrate their knowledge and skillset through hands-on experience, such as troubleshooting and repair of railroad infrastructure and equipment. By combining these steps, individuals can become competent railroad transportation technicians, capable of performing their duties safely and efficiently.

You may want to check Transportation Design Engineer, Transportation Procurement Manager, and Public Transportation Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Railroad Track Maintenance Technician: Responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks, crossties, and related equipment in order to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Rail Signal Technician: Responsible for installing, inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing railroad signal systems and related components.
Railroad Equipment Technician: Responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and other rolling stock.
Railroad Bridge Technician: Responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing railroad bridges and related structures.
Railroad Car Loader: Responsible for loading and unloading freight cars in accordance with safety regulations.
Railroad Yard Switchman: Responsible for operating switches and signals to direct the movement of trains in a railroad yard.
Railroad Dispatch Operator: Responsible for monitoring and controlling train operations using radio communication systems.
Railroad Security Technician: Responsible for installing, inspecting, and maintaining security systems on railroad property and vehicles.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of railroad systems and equipment
Knowledge of federal regulations and safety protocols
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical problems
Expertise in maintenance, repair, and installation of rail equipment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in use of hand tools and machinery
Working knowledge of electrical and electronic systems
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings
Understanding of computer control systems and operations

Railroad transportation technicians are responsible for keeping railway operations running smoothly and efficiently. As such, the most important skill for them to possess is problem-solving. They must be able to quickly identify any issues or malfunctions that arise and take the necessary steps to solve them.

In addition, knowledge of both mechanical and electrical engineering principles is essential for a railroad transportation technician to understand how the different components of a train work together. Communication skills are also important, as these technicians must be able to communicate effectively with other technicians, supervisors, and passengers. Finally, strong attention to detail is also important, as railroad transportation technicians must pay close attention to every detail to ensure no problems occur on the railway.

With these important skills, railroad transportation technicians can work together to keep rail operations running safely and efficiently.

Public Transportation Supervisor, Public Transportation Inspector, and Fleet Transportation Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with railroad transportation systems?
How would you handle a situation when a train is running late?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with railroad systems?
Describe your experience troubleshooting and repairing railroad systems.
What steps do you take to ensure that all passengers are safe when riding on the train?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technologies related to railroad transportation?
What challenges have you faced in your past experience working with railroad transportation?
Describe the most complex issue you have had to resolve while working on a railroad system.
What strategies do you use to ensure the highest quality of service when working with railway systems?
What do you believe is the most important part of working as a railroad transportation technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Track Inspection Equipment. Used to inspect railroad tracks for any damage or deformities (eg: Track Measuring System).
Locomotive Diagnostic Equipment. Used to detect malfunctions or failures in locomotives (eg: Rail Diagnostics).
Maintenance-of-Way Equipment. Used to maintain track infrastructure (eg: Tie Replacer, Tamping Machine).
Railroad Signals and Communications Equipment. Used to manage train traffic and provide communication between train operators (eg: Automatic Block Signals).
Computerized Rail Vehicle Maintenance Software. Used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with rail vehicles (eg: Rail Maintenance Management System).
Cranes and Hoists. Used to lift and move heavy objects (eg: Rail-mounted Cranes).
Rail Grinders. Used to grind and smooth down rail tracks (eg: Rail Grinder).
Rail Drilling Machines. Used to drill holes into rails for maintenance purposes (eg: Rail Drills).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of American Railroads (AAR)
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRCMA)
American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA)
Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
International Association of Railway Operating Officers (IAROO)
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA)
International Union of Railway Operators (IUORO)
Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI)
National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO)
National Railroad Safety Association (NRSA)

We also have School Bus Driver/Transportation Operator, Transportation Security Administrator, and Transportation Sales Representative jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Railroad Track. A series of parallel steel rails laid on a bed of ballast, used to support and guide trains.
Railroad Grade. The grade of a railroad track, measured in percent and indicating the rate of climb or descent of the track.
Maintenance of Way. The process of maintaining the railroad track and related equipment, including repairs and inspections.
Switch Points. The curved pieces of steel that form the entrance and exit to a railroad switch, allowing trains to change directions.
Railroad Switch. A set of movable rails that allows trains to change directions.
Railroad Signal. A signal system that is used to control the operation of trains, including lights, bells, or other indicators.
Track Circuit. A system that uses electric current to detect the presence of a train on a stretch of track.
Railcar. A vehicle used for transporting freight or passengers on railroad tracks.
Locomotives. A self-propelled vehicle used to pull or push railroad cars on a railroad track.
Coupling. A mechanical device used to connect two railcars together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Railroad Transportation Technician?

A Railroad Transportation Technician is a professional responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing railroad equipment and tracks.

What qualifications are needed to become a Railroad Transportation Technician?

To become a Railroad Transportation Technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in the railroad industry. Additionally, one must be certified by the Federal Railroad Administration.

What are the duties of a Railroad Transportation Technician?

Duties of a Railroad Transportation Technician include inspecting and maintaining railroad tracks, supervising the loading and unloading of trains, operating locomotives and other railroad equipment, and conducting safety tests.