National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.2

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.2
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

7531 - Railway yard and track maintenance workers

Railway yard workers regulate yard traffic, couple and uncouple trains and perform related yard activities. Railway track maintenance workers operate machines and equipment to lay, maintain and repair railway tracks. They are employed by railway transport companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • ballast regulator operator - railway
    • car controller - railway
    • control tower operator - railway
    • machine operator - railway
    • rail saw operator
    • railway equipment operator
    • railway track patroller
    • railway trackman/woman
    • section worker - railway
    • signal tower operator - railway
    • spike machine operator - railway
    • switch tender - railway yard
    • tie tamper operator - railway
    • towerman/woman - railway transport
    • yard coupler - railway
    • yard worker - railway

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • motor vehicle operator - pole yard

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews (See 7302 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews)
    • Railway and motor transport labourers (See 7622 Railway and motor transport labourers)
    • Railway conductors and brakemen/women (See 7362 Railway conductors and brakemen/women)
    • Supervisors of railway yard and track maintenance workers (See 7304 Supervisors, railway transport operations)

  • Main duties

    Railway yard and track maintenance workers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Operate control panel switches from railway yard tower to set traffic signals and to activate train switches that regulate railway traffic in railway yards
    • Operate car retarders, turntables and track switches to align locomotives and cars as required for coupling, uncoupling or servicing
    • Operate machines and equipment to lay, maintain and repair railway tracks, align tracks, transfer, spread, level and tamp ballast around ties and rails and to clear snow from tracks
    • Switch cars according to instructions which indicate the location, disposition and number of cars
    • Lubricate moving parts of railway cars and locomotives
    • Clean and make minor repairs to machines and equipment
    • Patrol assigned track sections to identify and report damaged or broken track
    • Perform other track maintenance duties as directed.

  • Employment requirements

    • Some secondary school education is usually required.
    • Experience as a railway labourer is required.
    • On the job training is provided
    • Railway yard workers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

  • Additional information

    • Progression to a position such as brakeman is possible with experience.
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