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RAIL YARD ENGINEERS, DINKEY OPERATORS, AND HOSTLERS
 
Occupation Description:
 
  Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
 
Typical Tasks:
 
 
  • Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  • Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  • Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  • Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  • Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  • Apply and release hand brakes.
  • Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
 
Knowledge:
 
 
  • Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits..
  • 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..
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar..
  • Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems..
  • 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..
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects..
  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance..
 
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Education & Training:
 
  Moderate-term on-the-job training (1 to 12 months)
 
Wage Information:
 
  Sorry, wage information is not available for this occupation.
 
Occupation Outlook:
 
  Sorry, outlook information is not available for this occupation.
 
Similar Occupations:
 
 
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