Locomotive Firers
Monitor locomotive instruments and watch for dragging equipment, obstacles on rights-of-way, and train signals during run. Watch for and relay traffic signals from yard workers to yard engineer in railroad yard.
How AI Impacts Each Task
11 tasks analyzed
Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
Receive signals from workers in rear of train and relay that information to engineers.
Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.
Operate locomotives under the instruction of engineers.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 15% | |
| Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 10% | |
| Receive signals from workers in rear of train and relay that information to engineers. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 10% | |
| Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 15% | |
| Operate locomotives in emergency situations. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 2% | |
| Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 8% | |
| Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 10% | |
| Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs. | 90Estimated | 69.0% | 5% | |
| Operate locomotives under the instruction of engineers. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 15% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis