Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Other names for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators: Air Brake Operator, Air Hose Coupler, Brake Holder, Brake Rider, Brakeman, Car Coupler, Car Hopper, Car Rider, Car Runner, Car Shifter, Car Shunter, Carman, Conductor, Coupler, Dinkey Brakeman, Dukey Rider, Engineer, Enginehouse Brakeman, Flagger, Flagman, Freight Brakeman, Freight Conductor, Gang Rider, Headman, Lineman Apprentice, Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Operator Helper, Locomotive Switch Operator, Motor Brakeman, Narrow Gauge Brakeman, Nipper, Passenger Brakeman, Passenger Train Braker, Patcher, Railcar Brake Operator, Railroad Brake Operator, Railroad Brakeman, Railroad Signal and Switch Operator, Railroad Signal Operator, Railroad Switchman, Railroad Yard Worker, Railway Switch Operator, Railway Switchman, Rider, Road Freight Brake Coupler, Rope Rider, Set Rider, Skates Operator, Skatesman, Snapper, Swamper, Switch Coupler, Switch Foreman, Switch Operator, Switch Tender, Switching Operator, Switchman, Terminal Carman, Track Helper, Track Supervisor, Trailer, Train Brakeman, Train Braker, Train Crew Member, Trainman, Trains Service Conductor, Transportation Specialist, Trip Rider, Tub Rider, Yard Brakeman, Yard Coupler, Yard Person, Yard Switch Operator,

• Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
• Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
• Observe signals from other crewmembers so that work activities can be coordinated.
• Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
• Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
• Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
• Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
• Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops in order to warn oncoming trains.
• Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
• Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
• Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
• Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
• Refuel and lubricate engines.
• Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
• Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
• Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
• Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
• Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
• Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
• Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.