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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.

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Engineer
  • Railcar Switcher
  • Railroad Engineer
  • Switchman
  • Carman
  • Hostler

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