Railway and yard locomotive engineers

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Railway locomotive engineers

• Operate locomotives to transport passengers and freight on railways

• Operate communication systems to communicate with train crews and traffic controllers to ensure safe operation and scheduling of trains

• Inspect assigned locomotives and test operating controls and equipment.

• Yard locomotive engineers

• Operate locomotives to switch, couple and uncouple cars for loading and unloading

• Perform switching operations according to written switching orders or dispatched instructions

• Inspect locomotives, replenish fuel or perform routine maintenance on locomotives.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.

• Experience as a conductor is required for railway locomotive engineers and may be required for yard locomotive engineers.

• Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.

• Mobility between railway transport companies or between establishments employing locomotive engineers may be limited due to seniority provisions of collective agreements.