Searching

Career Exploration

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Also called: Engineer, Railcar Switcher, Railroad Engineer, Switchman

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Business

  • management
  • customer service

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • quickly decide if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Self Control

Inventory management software

  • Railyard inventory software
  • Softrail AEI Rail & Road Manager

Industrial control software

  • RailComm DocYard
  • Softrail AEI Automatic Yard Tracking System

Expert system software

  • Positive train control PTC systems

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $56,340

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.