Will “Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

91% Chance of Automation

“Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #553 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4013.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 52,320.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 25.00
Currently, there are 4,530 people on this job

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers”

Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
Operate switching diesel engines to switch railroad cars, using remote controls.
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.
Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
Apply and release hand brakes.
Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
Operate and control dinkey engines to transport and shunt cars at industrial or mine sites.
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.
Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.

Related Technology & Tools

Air brake hoses
Railcar stabilizing jacks
Hinged derailers
Personal computers
Signal flares
Rail car stops
Locking ratchet wrenches
Sliding derailers
Wrench sets
Hearing protection plugs
Mobile radios
Track switches
Rerailers
Oil pressure gauges
Socket wrench sets
Hopper gate openers
Car-mounted derricks
Handheld sprayers
Hand brakes
Hard hats
Position signals
Retarders
Diagonal cut pliers
Backout punches
Hot bearing detectors
Flat cold chisels
Switching locomotives
Portable derailers
Winch car pullers
Dinkey engines
Bumping posts
Protective glasses
Automatic switches
Air pressure gauges
Utility knives
Color light signals
Capstan car pullers
Water pressure gauges
Tank car dome socket wrenches
Steel-toed boots
Cab signals
Rail chocks
Signal flags
Multipurpose hammers
Wire cleaning brushes
Punch sets
Steam pressure gauges
Rail skids
Lanterns
Hand wheels
Switching diesel engines

Railcar inspection management software
Web browser software
Railyard management software RMS
Railyard inventory software