Yard Official (Shunter)

Job overview
Yard officials (shunters) control the shunting of passenger coaches and goods wagons, using radio communication or hand signals.

What do people in this job?
Yard officials' main duties 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 yard officials' 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 yard officials' duties.

Normally yard officials work in teams of three to six persons under supervision of a yard foreman.

This teamwork is essential, because long loads are often shunted around curves where hand signals can not be seen clearly and the walkie-talkies sometimes cannot be heard distinctly.

Yard officials' work is outdoors.

They are sometimes required to work shifts and are well compensated for overtime.

The work entails walking or standing for long periods, and officials are subjected to noise, dust and rain.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Yard officials must be reliable and responsible people.

They should be healthy, since the work can be physically demanding, and their eyesight should be good.

They must be familiar with all the regulations pertaining to their work, especially safety regulations.

Finally they must be able to relate easily to other people since they work all the time with colleagues in a team.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no specific qualifications.