Locomotive Engineers drive electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine- electric locomotives to transport freight and/or passengers between stations and to assemble and disassemble trains within rail yards.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Locomotive Engineers may:

Inspect the locomotive before the run for fuel, sand, water, and other supplies

Ensure that the train leaves the station according to the railroad time schedule

Operate the air brakes, throttle, and other equipment on the locomotive

Interpret train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations

Call out signals to firers, conductors, or brake operators riding in the cab to check their meaning to avoid errors

Talk to the freight service conductor or traffic control center personnel over a radio-telephone to give or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains

Observe the track to see that it is clear at all times

Inspect the locomotive after the run for defective equipment

Prepare reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays

Lubricate moving parts

Locomotive Engineers may be designated according to the type of locomotive driven, such as diesel locomotive engineer, or according to the type of service, such as freight road engineer.

Yard Engineers may:

Read switching orders received from the yard conductor

Operate traffic signals in the yard or in the cab

Operate the locomotive by railroad rules and regulations

Observe arm, lantern, or radio signals from the yard coupler or switch tender

Drive the locomotive forward and backward to switch and couple cars

Talk over the radio-telephone to the yard conductor or other yard workers to give or receive switching information

Yard Engineers may be designated according to the type of locomotive driven such as locomotive engineer, diesel. When operating a switching locomotive in a yard other than a railroad yard, they may be designated as industrial-locomotive operator.

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Locomotive Engineers may specialize in these areas:

910.363-014 LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS drive electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport freight and/or passengers between stations and to assemble and disassemble trains within rail yards.

910.363-018 YARD ENGINEERS operate switching locomotives within the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location to switch cars for loading, unloading, and making up or breaking up trains.

910.683-010 HOSTLERS receive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives from Locomotive Engineers at the end of their runs; drive the locomotives to various stations in the roundhouse to be repaired, cleaned, or supplied with coal, fuel, oil, water, lubricating oil, and sand, following instructions from the engine dispatcher; and deliver the serviced locomotives to engine crews.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Locomotive Engineers receive their orders and instructions from the train dispatcher or the conductor. Freight and yard Locomotive Engineers may work alone or with a firer (engineer trainee or helper). Passenger Locomotive Engineers must work with a firer in the cab with them.

Locomotive Engineers work in engine cabs which are confining, noisy, and subject to vibration. Engineers must remain alert to react to any emergency.

On many railroads, work is limited to a maximum number of miles per month or 12 hours per day. "Extra Board" Locomotive Engineers (those with the least seniority) substitute for regular Engineers and may work irregular hours.

Yard Locomotive Engineers usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Locomotive Engineers often work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may be away from home for several nights if they have a long route.

Almost all Locomotive Engineers belong to a union. Most are members of the United Transportation Union. Members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities using machines, processes, or methods

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Rate information by personal judgment or measurable standards

• Plan and direct the activities of others (firers)

• Remain alert to react to possible emergencies

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You are traveling at 40 miles per hour. You make 4 different 15 minute stops and you have to travel a total of 200 miles. How long will this trip take you to complete?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A massive object has more inertia, or resistance to a change in motion, than a less massive object does.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an accident report explaining the problems of a given day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to analyze oral directions and then decide the proper steps to complete the task.

Locomotive Engineers are required to pass a physical examination at entry and at regular intervals after being hired. Those who fail standards of keen eyesight and hearing may be restricted to yard service.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 1200 ELECTRONICS, 2200 MATH, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

High school students may learn more about this job by arranging an interview with an Engineer or by visiting a railroad yard. Working as a firer or on train and yard crews are other ways to explore this occupation.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Locomotive Engineer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Locomotive Engineer employer

community service work with an agency

Some railroads place applicants directly into Engineer training programs and a few place them into brake operator training programs. However, openings for permanent positions are usually filled by "Extra Board" Engineers according to seniority. Helpers who are to be taught an Engineer's duties usually enter a training program within 1 year of their initial date of hire. Assistance in locating a job may be available from your high school counselor or a local office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank   

America's Job Bank   

Classifieds Employment   

Yahoo! Careers

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Locomotive Engineers depend on the number of engines or weight of the locomotive, the number of miles driven, the type of service, and the number of hours worked. Their wages also vary according to whether or not a firer is part of the train crew.

Nationally and in Michigan, railroad companies paid locomotive engineers the following earnings (1998):

Most Locomotive Engineers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, and health insurance; and a retirement plan. Some Engineers may also receive dental insurance.

To become eligible for promotion to Locomotive Engineer, helpers and firers must pass a test covering locomotive equipment and operation. As Engineers are needed, qualified helpers and firers with the longest seniority are placed on the Locomotive Engineer "Extra Board" list. Engineers may advance to supervisory positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 21,300 Locomotive Engineers were employed in 1996. Employment of Locomotive Engineers is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Employment of Engineers will be affected by the use of better- designed freight trains and the modernization of yards. Federal and state subsidy cutbacks have further reduced rail service. Some openings are expected each year, however, to replace some of the workers who retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. Presently, railroads are increasing the hiring of locomotive engineers in order to move growing volumes of freight.

Approximately 1,350 Locomotive Engineers are employed in Michigan. Most worked for railroad companies.

Employment of Locomotive Engineers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. Passenger and freight trains are both affected by federal and state subsidy cutbacks, which have further reduced rail service. A few additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Locomotive Engineer can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development