Summary for:
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and HostlersDescription:
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.Sample of reported job titles:
Sample of reported job titles: Engineer, Conductor, Railcar Switcher, Railroad Engineer, Switchman, Equipment Operator, Car Repairman, Switch Crew Supervisor, Transportation Specialist, Yard Engineer
Tasks | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Activites | Experience | Example | Education | Work Style | Work Values | Related Jobs | Wage | Employment | Expected Growth | Expected Need
Tasks:
- 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.
Knowledge:
| Problem Sensitivity ó The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| Control Precision ó The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
| Oral Comprehension ó The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Visual Color Discrimination ó The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
| Depth Perception ó The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object. |
| Far Vision ó The ability to see details at a distance. |
| Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| Oral Expression ó The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness ó The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
| Rate Control ó The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene. |
Skills:
| Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment ó Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft. |
| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material ó Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Controlling Machines and Processes ó Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| identifying Objects, Actions, and Events ó identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards ó Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings ó Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work ó Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
Abilities:
| Responsible for Others' Health and Safety ó How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
| Face-to-Face Discussions ó How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable ó How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets ó How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
| Work With Work Group or Team ó How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| Contact With Others ó 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? |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls ó How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment ó How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
| Outdoors, Exposed to Weather ó How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? |
| Freedom to Make Decisions ó How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
Work Activities:
| Title | Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed |
| Overall Experience | Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. |
| Job Zone Examples | These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers. |
| SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
| Education | These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed. |
Work Style:
| 47-2071.00 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators  |
| 53-3033.00 | Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services |
| 53-5011.00 | Sailors and Marine Oilers |
| 53-6051.07 | Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation |
| 53-7051.00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators |
Slower than average (3% to 6%)