Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Job Description: Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers spend a lot of their time Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment. They are naturally good at Far Vision, Reaction Time, Auditory Attention, and Response Orientation. Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers are typically characterized as being Realistic and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Transportation, English Language, and Public Safety and Security and are skilled at Operation and Control and Operation Monitoring.

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Work Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Handling and Moving Objects
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Getting Information
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Processing Information
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  

Abilities

Far Vision
  
Reaction Time
  
Auditory Attention
  
Response Orientation
  
Oral Expression
  
Control Precision
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Multilimb Coordination
  
Extent Flexibility
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Rate Control
  
Near Vision
  
Selective Attention
  
Information Ordering
  
Speech Clarity
  
Depth Perception
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Trunk Strength
  
Time Sharing
  
Spatial Orientation
  
Manual Dexterity
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Speech Recognition
  
Written Comprehension
  
Visualization
  
Category Flexibility
  
Gross Body Equilibrium
  
Static Strength
  
Gross Body Coordination
  
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  
Glare Sensitivity
  
Speed of Closure
  
Speed of Limb Movement
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Written Expression
  
Sound Localization
  
Dynamic Strength
  
Peripheral Vision
  
Wrist-Finger Speed
  
Originality
  
Stamina
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Number Facility
  
Memorization
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Night Vision
  

Interests

Realistic
  
Conventional
  
Investigative
  
Enterprising
  
Social
  
Artistic
  

Knowledge

Transportation
  
English Language
  
Public Safety and Security
  
Education and Training
  
Telecommunications
  
Mechanical
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Law and Government
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Administration and Management
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Production and Processing
  
Clerical
  
Mathematics
  
Psychology
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Therapy and Counseling
  
Geography
  
Chemistry
  
Communications and Media
  
Medicine and Dentistry
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Physics
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Design
  

Wages

New Jersey
$45,060  
 
Alabama
$45,010  
 
Montana
$44,410  
 
West Virginia
$40,900  
 
Pennsylvania
$40,770  
 
Florida
$39,060  
 
Illinois
$37,210  
 
Oregon
$36,360  
 
Minnesota
$36,330  
 
Nebraska
$34,350  
 
Kentucky
$33,950  
 
Texas
$33,690  
 
Georgia
$32,680  
 
California
$31,820  
 
Ohio
$29,950  
 
Michigan
$27,960  
 
South Carolina
$26,100  
 

Skills

Operation and Control
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Coordination
  
Monitoring
  
Time Management
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Reading Comprehension
  
Critical Thinking
  
Instructing
  
Active Listening
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Active Learning
  
Troubleshooting
  
Speaking
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Repairing
  
Learning Strategies
  
Equipment Maintenance
  
Writing
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Service Orientation
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Equipment Selection
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Mathematics
  
Persuasion
  
Systems Analysis
  
Negotiation
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Management of Financial Resources
  
Technology Design
  
Installation
  

Work Values

Support
  
Relationships
  
Independence
  
Working Conditions
  
Achievement
  
Recognition
  

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
  
Dependability
  
Self Control
  
Integrity
  
Cooperation
  
Independence
  
Initiative
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Analytical Thinking
  
Social Orientation
  
Persistence
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Concern for Others
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Leadership
  
Innovation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Contact With Others
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Telephone
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Consequence of Error
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Letters and Memos
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Physical Proximity
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Electronic Mail
  
Level of Competition
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Degree of Automation
  
Work Schedules
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  

-Every day-

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Letters and Memos
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Electronic Mail
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Public Speaking
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Deal With External Customers
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  

-Limited freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  

-Never-

Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Time Pressure
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Electronic Mail
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Public Speaking
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Telephone
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Public Speaking
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Letters and Memos
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Time Pressure
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Telephone
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

- Importance Core-

Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones 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.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  

- Importance Supplemental-

Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  

- Relevance of Task Core-

Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  

- Relevance of Task Supplemental-

Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
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.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
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.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

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.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
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.
  
Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  
Apply and release hand brakes.
  
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  
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.
  
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  
Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges in order to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  
Confer with conductors and other workers via radio-telephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  
Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  
Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

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

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
  
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  
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)
  
Some College Courses
  
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)