What definition best describes a utility employee?

A utility employee is best described as a temporary member of a train or yard crew. This position typically allows for flexibility within the workforce, where utility employees are called upon to fill in as needed due to absences or fluctuations in demand. This type of role provides essential support by assisting with various tasks that might include operating equipment or helping with the movement of trains as required.

Utility employees are not permanent members of a crew, which would imply a long-term commitment to a specific team. They also do not hold the responsibilities associated with dispatching or managing train movements from a control center, as a dispatcher would. Additionally, being an engineer assigned to repair heavy machinery pertains to a specialized role that focuses on mechanical maintenance rather than operational support within a crew. Hence, the emphasis on temporary assignments and flexibility in roles solidifies why this answer is the most accurate description of a utility employee.