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

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

Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
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.
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
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.
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
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.

Was this page helpful?

Site updated April 30, 2024

1 O*NET-SOC Title