Yard Official Career Description
Yard officials (shunters) control the shunting movements of passenger coaches, as well as goods wagons, using radio communication or hand signals.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The main duties of yard officials are the safe marshalling and transport of trainloads. They must ensure that all trucks are properly coupled to each other and that the train has sufficient braking force for the proposed journey. It is also very important that the external condition of trucks attached to a train is in order.
When livestock is received in a yard, yard officials must see to it that the animals have enough food and water and if necessary, are unloaded to be fed and watered. The temperature of mechanically refrigerated trucks must be closely checked and it is also one of the yard official's duties to ensure that the cooling units of the trucks work properly while waiting on a connecting train. The very careful shunting of trucks carrying explosives is also part of the yard official's duties.
Normally yard officials work in teams of three to six persons under supervision of a yard foreman. These teams are essential, because long loads must be shunted around curves where hand signals can not be seen clearly and the walkie-talkies, by which messages are transmitted, sometimes cannot be heard distinctly. Different teams work in the yard, thus ensuring the expeditious flow of traffic through the yard.
The work of yard officials is outdoors. They are sometimes required to work shifts and are well compensated for overtime. The work requires that they walk or stand for long periods, while noise, dust and rain hinder them in their work.
Like other railway staff, yard officials also enjoy benefits such as a medical fund,
pension, low interest housing and a thirteenth cheque.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Yard officials must be reliable and responsible people. They should be healthy, since the work can be physically demanding. They must be familiar with all the regulations pertaining to their work, especially safety regulations. Applicants should be medically suited and not have any eye problems. Yard officials must be able to maintain good interpersonal relations, since they will work with colleagues in a team.
Where can I work?
Very few job opportunities are available.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No.
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