The railway network is constantly expanding, and therefore the need for electric locomotive drivers is growing rapidly. This employee is the main crew member of the locomotive. Depends on it to manage passenger or freight trains and not everyone can handle it.
Profession Features
An electric locomotive driver (a specialist in management and maintenance) is a rather specific profession, requiring a candidate for this position to have certain moral and physical qualities. The applicant for this position must have the following data:
- patience
- physical endurance, which is indispensable for long flights;
- neatness;
- the ability to perform frequently repeated repetitive operations;
- high responsibility and organization.
It will not work to become a driver of any type of locomotive to people with poor health. Applicants with heart disease, vision problems, hearing problems, asthma and musculoskeletal disorders are screened out immediately at the medical board.
If you want to become a train driver, you should know that the fulfillment of duties in this specialty is not only trips in the cab of an electric locomotive in a beautiful form, but also nights without sleep, a busy work schedule, strict, almost military discipline.
Responsibilities
The list of duties of a specialist in managing and servicing an electric locomotive is very wide and depends on the type of work performed by him and his qualifications. But there are general requirements that do not depend on where he works - for freight or passenger traffic.
Electric locomotive driver must know:
- design and technical parameters of the locomotive;
- rules for the transport of people and goods;
- mode of movement of trains;
- the condition of the railway track, its profile at the site of work;
- the possibility of electric locomotives under various working conditions;
- contact network characteristics;
- must be able to find and troubleshoot.
These are only basic responsibilities. Besides, during operation, the driver must always have with him a certificate confirming his right to drive an electric locomotive, know the fire protection rules, instructions and other safety documents.
Knowledge and skills
The work of the driver requires constant concentration. Representatives of this profession should have a set of knowledge and skills:
- be able to manage an electric locomotive in typical situations;
- know what to do in the event of unusual incidents;
- have an understanding of the work of the plumbing and engineering areas in identifying and eliminating breakdowns and malfunctions;
- be able to use radio communication and understand its basic principles;
- in case of emergency, be able to communicate with people and prevent panic;
- Know and follow the rules of the railway.
Knowledge and basic skills can be obtained in a specialized educational institution. Everything else comes over time with experience. Engineers regularly attend seminars and various gatherings, which are a synthesis of knowledge and practical experience. On them, experienced practitioners share their knowledge with young specialists.
Do not forget about individual training. Self-continuing education can help improve skills and advance through the ranks.
Responsibility
The work of the driver is not easy and very responsible, since the life and health of people during passenger transportation, as well as the safety of cargo and rolling stock during transportation of goods, depend on his qualifications and specialist skills. This specialist is responsible for the technical condition and integrity of the electric locomotive equipment. In the event of a violation or negligent performance of his duties, he will incur administrative or criminal punishment in accordance with the laws currently in force.
Material, disciplinary, administrative and criminal liability prescribed by law occurs in certain cases.
- In case of violation or failure to comply with the direct instructions of the higher authorities.
- Ignoring or poorly performing their duties and instructions.
- Exceeding one's official powers or using them for personal gain.
- Providing false information about the progress and condition of the work entrusted to him personally.
- Violation of labor discipline.
- If, when there is a threat to people or equipment, the employee has not taken measures to eliminate it.
Training
If you have chosen the profession of an electric locomotive driver, then you should know that without getting an education in a specialized educational institution you will not be hired. You need to tune in to long studies, which in some cases can take up to five years. Education takes place in railway technical schools or colleges. You can enter them after grade 9 or 11. Upon completion of the educational process, the graduate is assigned the qualification of “technician”.
Immediately after graduation, no one will deliver you as a driver. Have to work as an assistant for a long time, gain experience and only after the arrival of at least several months, and on average this process takes two years, it will be possible to take this position.
If you want to make a career, you have to get a higher education.
Employment
Specialists in the management and maintenance of electric locomotives are always in demand. They are needed on the railway, in the subways, in the mining and heavy industries.
The profession is quite prestigious and one of the highest paid in the rail transport. The average salary is about 60 thousand rubles.There are also various allowances (for underground work experience or work in remote areas). The seniority of a specialist and the accrual of bonuses are also important. A highly qualified specialist can receive 100 thousand rubles with all the premiums.
These are average indicators; the level of salary largely depends on the region and place of work.
