Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and road bed tamping machine operators.

Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, and align track, according to specifications. Clean, grade, and level ballast on railroad tracks. Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws. Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points and frogs, using portable power grinders. Drill holes through rails, tie plates, and fishplates for insertion of bolts and spikes, using power drills. Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, and ballast cleaning/spreading machines to redistribute gravel and ballast between rails. Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained. Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges. Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders. Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks. Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails. Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties. Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails. Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together. Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved. Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement. Repair and adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts. Spray ties, fishplates, and joints with oil to protect them from weathering. String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled. Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments and grades, following specifications. Clean and make minor repairs to machines and equipment. Clean tracks, and clear ice and snow from tracks and switch boxes. Lubricate machines, change oil, and fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels. Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits and gate-crossing warnings. Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.

Mechanical -- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Building and Construction -- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Equipment Maintenance -- Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Depth Perception -- The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object. Multilimb Coordination -- The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment -- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft. Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment -- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.