Student Aid on the Web Skip Navigation

Career Details : Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

   << Back    Add Career to MyFSA

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

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    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
       TOP    

    • End of Page