53-4013.00

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, & Hostlers

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

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Transportation and Material Moving
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Transportation and Warehousing
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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.
  • Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  • Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  • Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  • Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  • Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.

Skills

Operation and Control
69%
Operations Monitoring
66%
Monitoring
66%
Speaking
63%
Active Listening
60%
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Critical Thinking
56%
Coordination
53%
Time Management
53%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Troubleshooting
53%
Quality Control Analysis
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Active Learning
50%
Repairing
47%
Writing
47%
Equipment Maintenance
47%
Systems Analysis
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Equipment Selection
44%
Instructing
44%
Systems Evaluation
44%
Learning Strategies
44%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Service Orientation
41%
Mathematics
35%
Persuasion
35%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Negotiation
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Installation
16%
Science
13%
Operations Analysis
10%
Programming
6%
Technology Design
6%

Knowledge

Transportation
79%
Public Safety and Security
66%
Administration and Management
56%
Mechanical
54%
English Language
53%
Customer and Personal Service
50%
Education and Training
49%
Administrative
49%
Law and Government
41%
Mathematics
34%
Computers and Electronics
33%
Telecommunications
33%
Engineering and Technology
31%
Geography
29%
Personnel and Human Resources
27%
Communications and Media
26%
Sales and Marketing
26%
Economics and Accounting
22%
Physics
22%
Production and Processing
21%
Psychology
16%
Building and Construction
15%
Design
12%
Medicine and Dentistry
8%
Chemistry
7%
Sociology and Anthropology
6%
Therapy and Counseling
6%
Philosophy and Theology
5%
Food Production
5%
Foreign Language
4%
History and Archeology
3%
Biology
3%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Far Vision
72%
Reaction Time
69%
Control Precision
69%
Near Vision
66%
Oral Expression
66%
Response Orientation
66%
Visual Color Discrimination
66%
Speech Clarity
63%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
60%
Selective Attention
60%
Rate Control
60%
Manual Dexterity
60%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Speech Recognition
56%
Depth Perception
56%
Multilimb Coordination
56%
Visualization
53%
Auditory Attention
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Perceptual Speed
53%
Static Strength
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Spatial Orientation
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Hearing Sensitivity
47%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Category Flexibility
47%
Peripheral Vision
47%
Gross Body Equilibrium
47%
Glare Sensitivity
44%
Wrist-Finger Speed
44%
Written Expression
44%
Speed of Closure
41%
Fluency of Ideas
41%
Speed of Limb Movement
41%
Gross Body Coordination
41%
Sound Localization
38%
Dynamic Strength
35%
Stamina
31%
Memorization
28%
Night Vision
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Originality
25%
Number Facility
25%
Explosive Strength
19%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
86%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
86%
Getting Information
86%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
86%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
84%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
81%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Handling and Moving Objects
77%
Documenting/Recording Information
77%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
75%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
70%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
69%
Coaching and Developing Others
68%
Performing General Physical Activities
68%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
68%
Processing Information
65%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
64%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
63%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
63%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
61%
Training and Teaching Others
59%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
57%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
55%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
54%
Developing and Building Teams
53%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
52%
Scheduling Work and Activities
52%
Analyzing Data or Information
52%
Thinking Creatively
49%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
46%
Working with Computers
45%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
43%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
42%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
41%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
38%
Assisting and Caring for Others
36%
Selling or Influencing Others
30%
Staffing Organizational Units
29%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
26%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

99%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

97%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

93%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

92%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

87%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

87%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

83%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

83%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

83%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

79%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

79%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

79%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

78%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

74%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

73%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

71%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

69%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

67%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

64%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

63%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

62%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

60%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

59%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

59%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

58%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

57%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

54%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

52%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

49%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

49%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

47%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

47%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

45%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

45%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

45%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

42%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

41%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

37%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

35%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

35%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

33%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

33%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

32%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

31%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

26%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

25%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

25%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

24%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

23%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

22%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

20%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

11%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

5%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

83%

Post-secondary certificate

13%

Less than high school diploma

4%

Interests

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, t

100

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 hum

54

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

22

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

15

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

10

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
87%
Attention to Detail
76%
Integrity
63%
Stress Tolerance
59%
Cooperation
48%
Self-Control
44%
Perseverance
40%
Adaptability
34%
Self-Confidence
33%
Achievement Orientation
26%
Initiative
14%
Social Orientation
13%
Optimism
8%
Sincerity
8%
Intellectual Curiosity
1%

Work Values

Support
83%
Relationships
56%
Independence
45%
Working Conditions
42%
Achievement
22%
Recognition
17%

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