Description:
Railyard engineers drive trains and engines in a railroad yard, industy plant, quarry, or construction zone.
Duties:
• Talk to conductors and other workers about where to go.
• Signal other crew using lanterns, hand signals, radios or telephones.
• Switches railroad cars, hooks, and unhooks cars.
• Makes sure trains and cars are working well.
Where and When:
• Railroad Yard
• Plant (manufacturing)
• Quarry
• Construction site
• Most work all hours including nights, days, and weekends.
What or Who They Work With:
• Trains
• Engines
• Other workers
• Radios, phones, and lanterns
• Machines
• Switches and levers
Education and Training:
• Most need a high school diploma.
• Many need to work with other people for a year learning the job.
• Some work in apprenticeships adding classes and work to learn the job.
Similar Jobs:
- Road Paver
- Truck Driver
- Vehicle Inspector
- Truck and Tractor Operator
- Train Engineer and Conductor
- Train Operator
- Subway or Street Car Driver
Related School Subjects:
• English
• Reading
• Writing
• Driving
• Using a phone
• Business
Print:
Read:
- The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad by Nathan Olson
- I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track by Joshua Prince
- Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Last Train by Gordon M. Titcomb
Explore:
- PBS Kids Cyberchase Railroad Repair
- Draw and Learn
- What do you like?
Sources:
- VA VIEW Career Search
- Onet Online
- BLS (Bureau of Labor)
