Great artisans are usually capable of:

• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials.
• Performing precise and skillful manipulation of small objects.
• Being active and proactive in regards to physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Technicians will often be asked these tasks:

• Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

• Examining car roofs for wear and damage, and repairing defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
• Painting car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.
• Repairing car upholstery.
• Repairing window sash frames, attaching weather stripping and channels to frames, and replacing window glass, using hand tools.
• Repairing or replacing defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
• Testing units for operability before and after repairs.
• Recording conditions of cars, and repairing and maintenance working performed or to be performed.
• Removing locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
• Inspecting components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies for determining if repairs are needed.
• Inspecting the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards for identifying defects and for determining the extent of wear and damage.