The FRA administers and enforces Federal safety and health laws and regulations that apply to the railroad industry and its ancillary components. You will serve as a Railroad Safety Inspector in an assigned territory, as a mobile worker in the Hazardous Material discipline.
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 12, Railroad Safety Inspector (Hazardous Materials), the Qualifications Standard state you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. Railroad accident investigation techniques. Communication in writing and orally. Practical knowledge of the typical reactions of different hazardous commodities to various environmental conditions and of safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, leaks, or explosions of these materials. Knowledge of the construction, testing, and retesting of containers used to ship hazardous materials by rail; AND Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards governing the shipment of hazardous materials by rail, including containerization, loading, handling, documentation, and placarding. For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following: Experience applying federal regulations and standards for purpose of compliance to the inspection of containers and handling documentation procedures of hazardous material at rail facilities, including inter-modal, shippers/consignee, and tank car manufacturing facilities. Experience analyzing data and conducting inspections to determine probable cause of accidents/incidents pertaining to the transportation of hazardous materials. Experience communicating effectively in a professional setting, including, but not limited to preparing written materials such as correspondence, reports, and presentations; conveying technical information clearly; and tailoring communication style to the audience needs and/organization context. In addition to the above requirement, you must also have the following Selective Factor: Knowledge applying hazardous materials to environmental conditions, and safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, explosions, or leaks of the materials. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling Hazardous Materials - Knowledge of hazardous materials and waste and their uses, interactions, dangers, production, handling, storage, and disposal. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
The Railroad Safety Inspector (Hazardous Materials): Plans and carries out an itinerary of periodic inspections of the handling of hazardous materials at all rail facilities, including intermodal facilities, and shipper/consignee locations. Also, inspects rail cars, freight containers and intermodal bulk containers for compliance with applicable hazardous materials regulations, freight car equipment and safety appliance standards. Conducts investigations of collisions, reportable derailment, and unintentional releases of hazardous materials, or other accidents/incidents resulting in serious injury to person(s) or to the property of a railroad occurring on the line of any common carrier engaged in interstate transportation. Determines probable cause of accident or incident and if Federal regulations were violated. Develops comprehensive reports (e.g., accident, incident, and notices of probable violation) which outline findings and recommendations. The Ideal Candidate: This position is perfect for a mid-level professional with strong technical background in applying current Federal railroad safety standards, as well as strong analytical and communication skills. The candidate must have experience in conducting inspections. The candidate must be mission focused and have the ability to interface with all levels of railroad management as well as the rail labor unions.