Locomotive Firers

• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Locomotive Firers.

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Locomotive Firers.