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Career Details : Railroad Yard Workers

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Description

Perform a variety of activities such as coupling railcars and operating railroad track switches in railroad yard to facilitate the movement of rail cars within the yard.

Experience

No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a general office clerk even if he/she has never worked in an office before.

Education

These occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some may require a formal training course to obtain a license.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Tasks

  • Connects air hose to car, using wrench.
  • Throws track switches to route cars to different sections of yard.
  • Opens and closes chute gates to load and unload cars.
  • Opens and closes ventilation doors.
  • Signals engineer to start and stop engine.
  • Receives oral or written instructions indicating which cars are to be switched and track assignments.
  • Raises lever to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
  • Attaches cable to cars being hoisted by cable or chain in mines, quarries, or industrial plants.
  • Rides atop cars that have been shunted and turns handwheel to control speed or stop car at specified position.
  • Watches for and relays traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting, using arm or lantern.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Frustrating Circumstances
    • Job-Required Social Interaction

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