Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators, sometimes called Yard Couplers, throw track switches and couple cars to make up or break up trains. They signal engineers and set warning signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May include switching, stopping, and distributing cars on proper tracks for loading or unloading and helping make up trains before and after runs.
Employers prefer high school graduates.
Training is done on the job. There were approximately 605 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators employed in Alabama in 1996. The employment is expected to decrease to 450 by 2005. An average of less than 1 job openings occur each year. Salary may vary according to location and individual ability.