Railroad signalers and signal maintainers install and maintain the signaling devices used by dispatchers to communicate with train crews. Most new signals installed by signalers are lights or switches along the track and inside the operating cabs of trains. These signals are controlled by the train dispatcher, who is located in the central railroad station. During construction of new signals, signalers may mix and pour concrete tower bases and cut and weld the metal towers used to support the signals.
Although some signal workers are still employed, most railroad stations now hire technicians to install and repair the fiber optic communication systems used for signaling. Both signal maintainers and technicians work to keep the railroad signaling system in good working order. They check and repair lights, fiber optic cables or electrical lines, and switches.
Some railroads also use mechanical signals and battery powered signals. Signal maintainers check the battery charge and moving parts of the older signal systems. After maintainers and technicians make inspections, they must complete a written n cord of what they have seen and clone.
Education and Training
You need a high school education to enter this field. High school courses in shop, electricity, mechanics, and math are very helpful. Most railroads prefer to hire people who have training in electrical engineering from a vocational technical school. You must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time you are hired. You should also be in good health.
New workers receive instruction under the supervision of experienced workers. After about a year they become assistants in the department. After a few years they advance to jobs as signalers and signal maintainers. Technicians usually must pass tests measuring mechanical aptitude, knowledge of electricity or mechanics, manual dexterity, and general intelligence. They often receive some training from their employer.
Getting the Job
You can apply directly to the hiring offices of the railroad in which you are interested. State employment offices sometimes list railroad job openings.
Employment Outlook
Signalers and signal maintainers may become leading signalers or leading signal maintainers if they show leadership ability. Qualified workers may also become gang supervisors. Signal maintainers can advance to posts as testers or inspectors. Those who are good technical workers may become signal engineers or move up to other supervisory position . Experienced technicians may become specialists or troubleshooters who help others diagnose difficult problems, or they may work with engineers in designing equipment and developing maintenance procedures.
The employment outlook for signalers and signal maintainers is poor. The outlook for technicians is fair. Although the use of fiber optics will increase with an expected increase in railroad freight business, improvements in product reliability ease of service, and lower equipment prices will dampen the need for technicians. Retirements and transfers will create a limited number of job openings in the future.
Working Conditions
Once a worker gets a job as a signaler, signal maintainer, or technician, the work is fairly steady. The work is done out doors in all kinds of weather. Signal maintainers and technicians must repair faulty signals and cables whenever and wherever they break. Signalers and technicians must travel to new construction sites and therefore are away from home often. The work is sometimes dangerous. Both jobs have an 8 hour day. The 40 hour, 5 day week is standard.
Earnings and Benefits
Signalers and signal maintainers earn between $33,000 and $35,000 a year. Technicians earn up to $37,400 a year. Most signal workers receive time and a half for overtime work. Railroad company workers receive both medical and pension plans. They get paid vacations and holidays. Railroad employees often receive travel passes entitling them to free transportation on their line.
