Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

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Job Description

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Key Tasks

• Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
• Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
• Apply and release hand brakes.
• 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.
• Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
• Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
• 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.
• Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
• Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
• Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
• Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
• Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
• Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
• Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
• Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
• Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
• Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
• Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
• Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
• Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
• Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.

O*NET Information

• SOC Code: 53-4013.00
• Title: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Related Occupations

Based on O*NET Standard Occupational Classification.

Career Resources

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  title: 'Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers',
  description: 'undefined',
  socCode: '53-4013.00',
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