How do they match: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

  • Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

  • Rail Equipment Operator
  • Rail Switcher
  • Rail Switchman
  • Rail Yard Engineer
  • Railcar Switcher
  • Railcar Switchman
  • Railroad Engineer
  • Car Barn Laborer
  • Car Mover
  • Carman
  • Ingot Car Operator
  • Larry Car Operator
  • Work Car Operator

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

  • Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  • Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  • Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  • Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  • Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  • Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  • Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  • Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  • Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  • Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  • Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  • Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  • Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.

  • Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
  • Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
  • Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
  • Record service or repair activities.