Occupation Details
Rail Car Repairers
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$54,520.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,690.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$85,030.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,590
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,900
+31 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
201
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Some Training - Certificate or hands-on training
Experience Requirements
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education Requirements
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Aligning pry bars
- Arc welders
- Automated car movers
- Automatic air brake testers
- Ball peen hammers
- Bearing dismounting presses
- Bearing presses
- Bogie testing benches
- Car hoists
- Combination squares
- Combination wrenches
- Cotter pin pullers
- Cutting torches
- Diagonal-cutting pliers
- Flat cold chisels
- Flat head screwdrivers
- Floor-mounted jib cranes
- Gasket scrapers
- Intermodal car jacks
- Locomotive drop table
- Measuring tapes
- Mobile cranes
- Mobile radios
- Mounting presses
- Nailing hammers
- Needlenose pliers
- Personal computers
- Phillips head screwdrivers
- Pinch bars
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
- RailTech Software Solutions Rail 21 Management System
- RailTech Software Systems Mars for the 21st Century
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use basic plumbing techniques
- use combination welding procedures
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- maintain repair records
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
- erect scaffold
- move or fit heavy objects
- construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
- install or replace glass in windows, skylights, or other structural surfaces
- install shingles, tile, slate, asphalt, or related roofing materials
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align vehicle frame
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- clean equipment or machinery
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- use electronic calibration devices
- use hand or power woodworking tools
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use measuring devices in repairing industrial or heavy equipment
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- burn (cut), trim, or scarf metal objects
- use turnbuckle in structural repair or assembly work
- use arc welding equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- operate vacuum or air hose
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- identify base metals for welding
- assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read tape measure
- read technical drawings
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- examine locomotives or cars to detect damage or structural defects
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
- Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
- Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
- Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
- Test units for operability before and after repairs.
- Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
- Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
- Disassemble units such as water pumps, control valves, and compressors so that repairs can be made.
- Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
- Measure diameters of axle wheel seats, using micrometers, and mark dimensions on axles so that wheels can be bored to specified dimensions.
- Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
- Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
- Test electrical systems of cars by operating systems and using testing equipment such as ammeters.
- Replace defective wiring and insulation, and tighten electrical connections, using hand tools.
- Install and repair interior flooring, fixtures, walls, plumbing, steps, and platforms.
- Paint car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.
- Repair window sash frames, attach weather stripping and channels to frames, and replace window glass, using hand tools.
- Align car sides for installation of car ends and crossties, using width gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches.
- Repair car upholstery.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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