[Core] [79% incumbents] Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
  DWAs: Monitor traffic signals.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Apply and release hand brakes.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.
  DWAs: Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.
  DWAs: Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.
  DWAs: Connect hoses to equipment or machinery. | Connect cables or electrical lines.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.
  DWAs: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.
  DWAs: Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures. | Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.
  DWAs: Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
  DWAs: Monitor vehicle movement or location.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.
  DWAs: Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.
  DWAs: Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.
  DWAs: Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.
  DWAs: Position material handling equipment.

[Core] [79% incumbents] Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.
  DWAs: Position material handling equipment.

[Supplemental] [79% incumbents] Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.
  DWAs: Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties.

[Supplemental] [79% incumbents] Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
  DWAs: Record operational or production data. | Record service or repair activities.

[Supplemental] [79% incumbents] Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.
  DWAs: Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.

[Supplemental] [79% incumbents] Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.
  DWAs: Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.

[Core] [78% incumbents] Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
  DWAs: Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.

--- SKILLS ---
  Monitoring (imp:3.62 lvl:3.12) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Speaking (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Active Listening (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Writing (imp:2.88 lvl:2.50) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Transportation (imp:4.15 lvl:4.28) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.64 lvl:3.40) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Administration and Management (imp:3.22 lvl:3.30) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Mechanical (imp:3.14 lvl:3.54) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  English Language (imp:3.10 lvl:2.68) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.01 lvl:3.36) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Education and Training (imp:2.96 lvl:3.11) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Administrative (imp:2.95 lvl:2.79) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Law and Government (imp:2.64 lvl:2.26) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Mathematics (imp:2.37 lvl:2.25) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Telecommunications (imp:2.31 lvl:1.59) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.30 lvl:1.95) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.25 lvl:2.10) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Geography (imp:2.17 lvl:2.17) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.09 lvl:1.44) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.02 lvl:1.24) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Communications and Media (imp:2.02 lvl:1.42) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Physics (imp:1.87 lvl:1.70) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.86 lvl:1.05) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Production and Processing (imp:1.85 lvl:1.80) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Psychology (imp:1.63 lvl:1.62) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Building and Construction (imp:1.61 lvl:1.09) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Design (imp:1.49 lvl:0.78) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.32 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Chemistry (imp:1.27 lvl:0.66) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.25 lvl:0.64) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.22 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Food Production (imp:1.19 lvl:0.36) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.18) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.14) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Biology (imp:1.13) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  History and Archeology (imp:1.10) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Fine Arts (imp:1.01) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Far Vision (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Control Precision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Reaction Time (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Oral Expression (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Response Orientation (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Near Vision (imp:3.62 lvl:3.38) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.62 lvl:3.12) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.00) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Selective Attention (imp:3.38 lvl:3.25) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Rate Control (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Depth Perception (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Information Ordering (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Visualization (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Spatial Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Time Sharing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Static Strength (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Peripheral Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:2.50) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Written Expression (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Sound Localization (imp:2.50 lvl:1.88) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Memorization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Originality (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Night Vision (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:4.45 lvl:5.14) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Getting Information (imp:4.42 lvl:5.08) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.42 lvl:5.01) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:4.42 lvl:5.53) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.34 lvl:4.69) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.32 lvl:5.40) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.22 lvl:4.63) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.13 lvl:5.16) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.09 lvl:4.32) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:4.06 lvl:5.53) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.00 lvl:5.13) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.81 lvl:4.55) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.76 lvl:4.15) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.73 lvl:4.54) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.73 lvl:4.42) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.70 lvl:4.79) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Processing Information (imp:3.58 lvl:4.36) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.56 lvl:4.67) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:3.53 lvl:4.52) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.50 lvl:4.44) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.45 lvl:4.33) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.34 lvl:4.35) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.28 lvl:3.95) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.18 lvl:3.58) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.15 lvl:3.40) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.12 lvl:3.55) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.09 lvl:3.67) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.09 lvl:3.76) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.07 lvl:3.60) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.97 lvl:4.02) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.82 lvl:4.13) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Working with Computers (imp:2.79 lvl:2.85) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.76 lvl:3.26) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.72 lvl:3.17) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.66 lvl:2.90) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.62 lvl:3.19) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.51 lvl:3.07) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.45 lvl:2.66) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.18 lvl:2.66) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.17 lvl:2.38) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.03 lvl:2.07) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Dependability (imp:2.65) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.62) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:1.89) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.76) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Cooperation (imp:1.44) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Control (imp:1.31) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Perseverance (imp:1.20) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Adaptability (imp:1.02) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.99) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.77) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Initiative (imp:0.42) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Social Orientation (imp:0.38) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Optimism (imp:0.24) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Sincerity (imp:0.23) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:0.04) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Humility (imp:-0.01) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Empathy (imp:-0.06) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.17) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.46) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.61) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operation and Control (imp:3.75 lvl:3.62) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.38 lvl:3.12) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Troubleshooting (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Time Management (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Instructing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.75 lvl:2.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.25) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.62 lvl:2.00) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Persuasion (imp:2.38 lvl:1.75) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Installation (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Programming (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 3,920
  annual_median    : $60,600
  annual_pct10     : $44,540
  annual_pct25     : $52,780
  annual_pct75     : $80,360
  annual_pct90     : $100,270
  annual_mean      : $68,450
  hourly_median    : $29.14

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : West Virginia ($91,380)
  lowest_state     : Arkansas ($38,980)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.344x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (17 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    3,400  median: $  60,260
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      270  median: $  68,480
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      100  median: $  41,690
  Manufacturing                            emp:       70  median: $  60,900
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:       40  median: $  65,380

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (5 total) ---
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    3,400  median: $  60,260
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:      270  median: $  68,480
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      100  median: $  41,690
  Manufacturing                            emp:       70  median: $  60,900
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:       40  median: $  65,380

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:33:33.079012Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Dinky line (similarity: 0.2295)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinky_line
  QID: Q5278382
  Extract: Dinky line is a nickname sometimes used to describe a short railroad line, usually operated with short trains. The term may come from "dinkey", which is "a small locomotive for hauling cars, shunting, etc. in a railroad yard" and is driven by "Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers".

  Title: Carman (similarity: 0.1404)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carman
  QID: Q1855504
  Extract: In Celtic mythology, Carman (Carmán) or Carmun was a warrior and sorceress from Athens who tried to invade Ireland in the days of the Tuatha Dé Danann, along with her three sons, Dub ("darkness"), Dother ("evil") and Dian ("violence"). She used her magical powers to destroy all the fruit of Ireland.

  Title: Carman (singer) (similarity: 0.2121)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carman_(singer)
  QID: Q326186
  Extract: Carman Domenic Licciardello, known professionally as Carman, was an American contemporary Christian music singer, rapper, songwriter, television host and evangelist. He was nominated for four Grammys, and sold over 10 million records.

  Title: Carman (surname) (similarity: 0.2090)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carman_(surname)
  QID: Q16865384
  Extract: Carman is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:Anja Čarman, Slovenian swimmer
Bliss Carman (1861–1929), Canadian poet
Brynn Carman, American pair skater
Dillon Carman, Canadian professional boxer and reality television personality
Don Carman, American baseball player
Ezra A. Carman (18

  Title: Kozeny–Carman equation (similarity: 0.2466)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kozeny%E2%80%93Carman_equation
  QID: Q1043489
  Extract: The Kozeny–Carman equation is a relation used in the field of fluid dynamics to calculate the pressure drop of a fluid flowing through a packed bed of solids. It is named after Josef Kozeny and Philip C. Carman. The equation is only valid for creeping flow, i.e. in the slowest limit of laminar flow.

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on detailed O*NET work activities, clear job tasks, and specific wage data. Limited by lack of Wikipedia context, but occupational data is comprehensive and internally consistent.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T03:07:21.282963+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,699
tokens_output        : 4,361
cost_usd             : $0.046855
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match found, though 'Dinky line' relates to short railroad operations. The specialized nature of yard switching operations may not have comprehensive Wikipedia coverage.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers operate switching locomotives and small engines within railroad yards, industrial plants, and similar facilities to move railroad cars and equipment. These operators drive specialized locomotives to couple and uncouple cars, position rolling stock, and perform switching operations in confined areas. The role requires monitoring equipment gauges, inspecting track conditions, and coordinating with other railroad workers via radio communications.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day begins with inspecting the locomotive engine before use, checking water levels, oil pressure, air pressure, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation. The operator reads switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work assignments, then drives the engine within the yard to couple and uncouple railroad cars as directed. Throughout the shift, they observe and respond to various signals including color light signals, position signals, and flags while communicating with conductors via radiotelephone. The operator applies and releases hand brakes, couples and uncouples air hoses and electrical connections between cars, and inspects track for defects such as broken rails. After completing switching operations, they inspect the condition of stationary trains and equipment before ending their shift.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role are highly dependable and detail-oriented, as safety is paramount when operating heavy machinery around railroad equipment. The strong Realistic orientation (6.78) indicates success for those who prefer hands-on, mechanical work with tangible equipment rather than abstract concepts. Effective operators possess excellent vision and reaction time to quickly respond to signals and potential hazards, along with strong oral communication skills for coordinating with team members. The moderate Conventional component (4.30) suggests comfort with following established procedures and safety protocols, while the physical demands require stamina and manual dexterity for operating controls and handling equipment connections.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent, with 82.5% of workers having this level of education according to O*NET data. Some employers prefer candidates with post-secondary certificates in transportation or mechanical fields, representing 13.3% of the workforce. On-the-job training is typically provided, covering specific locomotive operations, safety procedures, and company protocols, as this is classified as Job Zone 2 requiring some preparation but not extensive formal education.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Rail yard engineers can advance to locomotive engineers operating mainline trains, railroad conductors, or yardmaster positions with additional training and experience. Some transition to related transportation roles such as heavy equipment operators in construction or industrial truck operators. With mechanical knowledge gained through equipment inspection and maintenance, career paths may also lead to railroad maintenance positions or diesel engine specialist roles.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs 3,920 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $60,600 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, with earnings ranging from $44,540 to $100,270 for the 10th to 90th percentiles. Geographic wage variation is significant, with West Virginia offering the highest wages at $91,380 compared to Arkansas at $38,980, representing a 2.34x difference. Employment is concentrated in the Transportation and Warehousing sector with 3,400 positions, followed by government roles with 270 positions. The specialized nature of railroad operations and infrastructure maintenance suggests stable but limited job growth tied to freight rail activity and industrial operations.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
This role faces moderate automation risk due to the physical nature of locomotive operation and the need for human judgment in safety-critical situations. While some yard operations may become automated, the current emphasis on monitoring equipment gauges, inspecting track conditions, and coordinating complex switching maneuvers still requires human operators. The importance of problem sensitivity and reaction time in responding to unexpected situations provides some protection against full automation in the near term.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Locomotive Engineers (53-4011.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Direct advancement path sharing locomotive operation skills and transportation knowledge with similar equipment operation requirements.
    data: Transportation knowledge importance 4.2
    data: Operating Vehicles work activity 5.1
    data: Control Precision ability 3.8
  [skill_overlap] Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (53-4031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared railroad yard operations, safety protocols, and communication systems with overlapping supervision responsibilities.
    data: Public Safety and Security knowledge 3.6
    data: Communicating with Supervisors work activity 5.2
    data: Speaking skill 3.5
  [task_similarity] Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (47-2073.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles involve operating heavy machinery, controlling mechanized equipment, and monitoring equipment performance.
    data: Controlling Machines and Processes work activity 5.5
    data: Operation and Control transferable skill 3.6
    data: Mechanical knowledge 3.5
  [riasec_cluster] Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both occupations feature strong Realistic orientation for hands-on equipment operation in industrial settings.
    data: Realistic RIASEC 6.78
    data: Operating Vehicles work activity 4.5
    data: Transportation knowledge 4.2
  [knowledge_overlap] Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared mechanical knowledge and equipment inspection skills required for maintaining diesel-powered transportation equipment.
    data: Mechanical knowledge 3.1
    data: Inspecting Equipment work activity 5.0
    data: Troubleshooting transferable skill 3.0

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['rail yard', 'dinkey operator', 'dinkey engineer', 'hostler', 'switching locomotive', 'railroad yard', 'yard engine', 'switcher']
  exclude_keywords : ['mainline', 'freight train', 'passenger train', 'locomotive maintenance', 'signal operator']
  title_patterns   : ['Dinkey.*Engineer', 'Dinkey.*Operator', 'Rail.*Yard.*Engineer', 'Car.*Mover', 'Yard.*Engineer']
  common_variations: ['Dinkey Operator', 'Dinkey Engineer', 'Car Mover', 'Yard Engineer', 'Switcher Operator', 'Hostler', 'Coal Trammer', 'Diesel Dinkey Operator']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'carman', 'railroad', 'operations', 'principles', 'locomotives', 'control', 'cars', 'includes', 'objects', 'procedures', 'rail', 'ideas', 'signals', 'hand', 'operate', 'monitoring', 'rules']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
equipment                  45  0.01552  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:51%  dwas:20%  inference:20%
tendency                   42  0.01449  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     41  0.01414  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:93%  dwas:7%
carman                     24  0.00828  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
railroad                   16  0.00552  inference            inference:56%  dwas:19%  onet_tasks:12%
operations                 16  0.00552  inference            inference:50%  onet_dimensions:38%  onet_tasks:6%
principles                 16  0.00552  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
locomotives                13  0.00448  dwas                 dwas:69%  onet_tasks:15%  inference:15%
control                    13  0.00448  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  dwas:8%
cars                       12  0.00414  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:58%  inference:33%  wikipedia:8%
includes                   12  0.00414  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00414  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
procedures                 11  0.00379  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  inference:18%  dwas:9%
rail                       11  0.00379  dwas                 dwas:55%  inference:27%  onet_dimensions:9%
ideas                      11  0.00379  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
signals                    10  0.00345  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:40%  inference:40%  onet_dimensions:10%
hand                       10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:10%
operate                    10  0.00345  dwas                 dwas:40%  onet_dimensions:30%  onet_tasks:20%
monitoring                 10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  inference:20%
rules                      10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:20%
techniques                 10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
materials                  10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                    10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
orientation                10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  inference:10%
body                       10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
performing                 10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  dwas:20%
activities                 10  0.00345  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  dwas:10%
american                   10  0.00345  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
switching                   9  0.00311  inference            inference:67%  onet_tasks:22%  onet_dimensions:11%
movement                    9  0.00311  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:44%  dwas:44%  onet_tasks:11%
problems                    9  0.00311  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
human                       9  0.00311  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  inference:22%
resources                   9  0.00311  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
production                  9  0.00311  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  dwas:11%
vehicles                    9  0.00311  dwas                 dwas:56%  onet_dimensions:44%
yard                        8  0.00276  inference            inference:62%  wikipedia:25%  onet_tasks:12%
maintenance                 8  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  inference:38%  onet_tasks:12%
moving                      8  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  onet_tasks:12%
needed                      8  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  onet_tasks:12%
problem                     8  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%