History and Political Science Track | Mount Wachusett Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 47-4061.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingMonitoringCoordinationRepairingQuality Control Analysis

Knowledge

TransportationMechanicalBuilding and ConstructionPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and Management

Abilities

Control PrecisionManual DexterityMultilimb CoordinationProblem SensitivityArm-Hand SteadinessReaction TimeFar VisionFlexibility of ClosureVisualizationNear Vision

Tasks

Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.

Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareTime accounting software

Tools

Adjustable hand wrenchesAir drillsAir purifying respiratorsAir-powered wrenchesBackhoesClaw barsCrowbarsDolliesDump trucksFall protection harnessesForkliftsGas-powered wrenchesGlobal positioning system GPS receiversGrading equipmentGrease guns

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium47-4061.00	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Patrol routes along assigned track sections — conduct independently on a recurring schedule, documenting defects and submitting reports to the maintenance supervisor.
Track wrenches and powered torque equipment — operate with routine proficiency to tighten or loosen rail joint bolts to specified torque values without direct oversight.
Track switch parts and wrenches — repair or adjust malfunctioning switches in familiar field conditions, escalating complex faults to senior crew members.
Leveling indicator readings — interpret and compare against track geometry standards, making minor alignment corrections during routine resurfacing operations.
Single- and multiple-head spike driving machines — operate across standard track configurations, adjusting driving depth and sequence to meet tie-spacing specifications.
Rail saws — cut rails to specified lengths in the field, selecting appropriate blade settings based on rail profile and environmental conditions.
Equipment maintenance schedules — perform oil changes, hydraulic fluid top-offs, and lubrication tasks on track machinery in accordance with manufacturer intervals.
Troubleshooting common machine malfunctions — diagnose and resolve routine hydraulic and mechanical issues on spike drivers and track wrenches during a work shift.
Coordination with flagging and signal personnel — communicate clearly to manage track occupancy windows and protect crew safety during active maintenance windows.
Spreadsheet and time accounting software — enter production data, material usage, and labor hours accurately to support crew reporting requirements.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.