Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler

Career Description

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

Responsibilities

• Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
• Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
• Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
• Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
• Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
• Apply and release hand brakes.

Skills Required

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring

Monitoring / Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Salary Information

The average yearly salary of a Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler ranges between $33,280 and $81,380.

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers who work in South Carolina, New York, or Alabama , make the highest salaries.

Job Market Outlook

There were about 4,400 jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Rail Yard Engineer, Dinkey Operator, or Hostler by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 400 job openings in this field each year.

Common Job Titles

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