Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

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Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Careers / Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Summary Description


	Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Car Barn Laborer

2.	Car Mover

3.	Car Repairman

4.	Coal Tram Driver

5.	Coal Trammer

6.	Conductor

7.	Diesel Dinkey Engineer

8.	Diesel Dinkey Operator

9.	Dinkey Driver

10.	Dinkey Engine Operator

11.	Dinkey Engineer

12.	Dinkey Locomotive Engineer

13.	Dinkey Locomotive Operator

14.	Dinkey Motor Operator

15.	Dinkey Operator

16.	Dinkey Skinner

17.	Dump Motor Operator

18.	Dump Motorman

19.	Duty Engineer

20.	Engine Hostler

21.	Engineer

22.	Equipment Operator

23.	Goat Driver

24.	Haulage Engine Operator

25.	Ingot Buggy Operator

26.	Ingot Car Operator

27.	Ingot Supervisor

28.	Larriman

29.	Larry Car Operator

30.	Locomotive Engineer

31.	Mine Motor Engineer

32.	Mine Motor Operator

33.	Rail Equipment Operator

34.	Rail Switchman

35.	Railcar Switcher

36.	Railcar Switchman

37.	Railroad Engineer

38.	Slag Motor Operator

39.	Switch Crew Supervisor

40.	Switch Engineer

41.	Switcher

42.	Switchman

43.	Train Operator

44.	Transportation Specialist

45.	Work Car Operator

46.	Yard Engineer

47.	Yard Hostler

48.	Yard Motor Operator

49.	Yard Switcher

Job Tasks

	Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones. Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors. Monitor traffic signals.

	Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Apply and release hand brakes. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors. Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment. Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.

	Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations. Monitor vehicle movement or location.

	Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions. Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

	Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps. Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.

	Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars. Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.

	Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel. Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

	Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars. Connect hoses to equipment or machinery. Connect cables or electrical lines.

	Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty. Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

	Pull knuckles to open them for coupling. Position material handling equipment.

	Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars. Position material handling equipment.

	Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed. Record operational or production data. Record service or repair activities.

	Perform routine repair and maintenance duties. Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

	Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

	Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties. Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

	Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls. Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing 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 of materials.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Railroad Workers
	Nearly all locomotive engineers; conductors and yardmasters; and brake, signal, and switch operators work in the rail transportation industry. Rail yard engineers work in rail transportation and also support activities for rail.

	Read More >>

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