About This Career Path
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution Industry
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
01
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
02
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
03
Apply and release hand brakes.
04
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
05
Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
06
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
07
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
08
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
09
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
10
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Transportation
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Active Listening
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Far Vision
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Reaction Time
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
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