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Locomotive Engineer Job Description

What does a Locomotive Engineer do?

A Locomotive Engineer is responsible for operating trains and locomotives to transport passengers or freight. In this role, the engineer is responsible for the safe and timely movement of the train, performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and communicating with train crew and dispatchers. The Locomotive Engineer must also possess strong problem-solving skills, as they may encounter unexpected issues while on the job and must find solutions quickly. This job requires a strong emphasis on safety, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Our Locomotive Engineer job description includes the Locomotive Engineer responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Locomotive Engineer Example


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If you need an example job description for a Locomotive Engineer download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Locomotive Engineer do?

A Locomotive Engineer is responsible for safely operating a locomotive to transport passengers and goods. They are responsible for ensuring the locomotive is operated in accordance with all safety regulations, while adhering to timetables and routes. They must inspect the locomotive and its equipment, and operate the controls to start, stop and maneuver the locomotive. Locomotive Engineers must also maintain records of their activities and make necessary repairs or adjustments to the locomotive. They may be required to inspect the tracks and signaling systems to ensure a safe journey.

Locomotive Engineer Role Purpose

The purpose of a Locomotive Engineer is to operate a locomotive, which is a powered railway vehicle used for hauling passengers and freight, in a safe and efficient manner. This involves overseeing the maintenance, repair and inspection of the locomotive, ensuring that it is working correctly, and controlling its speed and direction. In addition, Locomotive Engineers must be familiar with the route and be able to interpret the railway signals and signals given by the train dispatcher. They must also be able to identify any potential hazards and take corrective action to ensure the safety of the passengers and freight.

Locomotive Engineer Role

A Locomotive Engineer is responsible for operating and maintaining locomotives, in order to safely transport passengers and freight. They must be able to inspect, maintain and repair locomotives and related equipment, as well as adhere to all safety regulations and procedures.

Locomotive Engineer Duties

  • Operating locomotives and other rail rolling stock
  • Ensuring safety of train, passengers and crew
  • Monitoring track conditions and speed limits
  • Maintaining locomotive condition and performance
  • Complying with safety and operating regulations
  • Periodic inspections and maintenance

Locomotive Engineer Requirements

  • A valid driving licence
  • Good physical fitness
  • Good knowledge of the railway network
  • Good customer service skills
  • Ability to work shifts

Locomotive Engineer Skills

  • Ability to operate and control a locomotive
  • Ability to read and interpret railway signals
  • Ability to understand and adhere to railway safety procedures

Locomotive Engineer Personal Traits

  • Ability to work independently
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure

How to write a Locomotive Engineer Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Locomotive Engineer Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Locomotive Engineer Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Locomotive Engineer Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Locomotive Engineer

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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