Career Details :: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Description
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Operates and controls dinkey engine to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine site.
- Receives switching orders from yard conductor, and talks with conductor and other workers via radiotelephone, to exchange switching information.
- Drives switching locomotive within railroad yard or other establishment to switch railroad cars.
- Records number of cars available or number of cars sent to repair station and type of service needed.
- Operates switching diesel engine to switch railroad cars, using remote control.
- Operates flatcar equipped with derrick, or railcar to transport personnel or equipment.
- Observes oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and water level, to ensure operating efficiency.
- Reads daily car schedule to determine number of cars needed for next day's run.
- Drives locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouse, to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
- Inspects engine at start and end of shift, and refuels and lubricates engine as needed.
- Inspects track for defects, and assists in installation or repair of rails and ties.
Related Careers
- Able Seamen
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Public Transportation Inspectors
- Railroad Inspectors
- Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles or Equipment
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Repairing & Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Degree of Automation
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Consequence of Error
- Outdoors
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.