Occupation: Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

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.

53-4013.00 | 23 tasks | 8 job titles
Reported Job Titles (8)
  • Carman
  • Engineer
  • Hostler
  • Rail Yard Engineer
  • Railcar Switcher
  • Railroad Engineer
  • Switchman
  • Yard Engineer
Core Tasks (19)
  • 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.
Supplemental Tasks (4)
  • 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.