Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers
Also called: Engineer, Railcar Switcher, Railroad Engineer,
What they do:
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.On the job, you would:
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What they do:
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.On the job, you would:
- Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
- Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
- Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
KNOWLEDGE
Transportation
- movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Communications
- telecommunications
SKILLS
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
ABILITIES
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- hold or move items with your hands
Hearing and Speech
- recognize spoken words
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Self Control
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Independence
TECHNOLOGY
You might use software like this on the job:
Facilities management software
- Railcar inspection management software
Internet browser software
- Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
- Railyard management software RMS
EDUCATION
- high school diploma/GED
- some college
JOB OUTLOOK
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$49,330
$33,110
$79,720