Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers

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Engineer, Railcar Switcher, Railroad Engineer, Switchman

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:
  • Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  • Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  • Apply and release hand brakes.

Knowledge

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • talking to others

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
  • quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

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
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Inventory management software

  • Railyard inventory software
  • Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager

Industrial control software

  • RailComm DocYard
  • Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System

Expert system software

  • Positive train control PTC systems

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers.