Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
What is a Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are essential personnel in the railroad industry who specialize in the operation of locomotives and railcars within rail yards and terminals. These professionals are responsible for managing and directing the movement of trains and switching operations, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of rail equipment. Rail Yard Engineers operate locomotives to move and assemble trains, while Dinkey Operators specifically manage smaller, specialized locomotives, often in industrial or short-line settings. Hostlers focus on positioning and servicing locomotives, preparing them for operation or maintenance. Collectively, these operators play a vital role in maintaining the flow of rail transport, coordinating the logistical tasks required to keep trains running smoothly and on schedule. Their work often involves collaborating with other train crew members and adhering to strict safety protocols to minimize risks associated with railroad operations. Through precision, communication, and a comprehensive understanding of rail yard dynamics, Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers contribute significantly to the efficiency and reliability of the rail transportation system.
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.
Technology Skills
- Inventory management software
- Industrial control software
- Expert system software
- Facilities management software
- Internet browser software
Tools Used
- Heavy rail turnout switch
- Wheel chocks
- Diesel freight locomotives
- Railway signaling systems
- Pressure indicators
Knowledge
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitor traffic signals.
- Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
- Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38800.0 - $76470.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.