The position(s) is with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To be qualified for a 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. Skill in written an oral communication. Knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques AND Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various track system configurations AND Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. 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 Railroad track safety standards/regulations for the purpose of inspecting and identifying track safety deficiencies. Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations. Experience producing electronic and automated track inspection and violation reports that describe defective track conditions, narrative accident / incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders. 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. Planning and Evaluating - Organize work, sets priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Oral Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations. Listen effectively; clarify information as needed. Written Communication - Write 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.
As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), you will: Assess railroad compliance with the carrier’s track inspection process to support compliance with federal regulations and for the improvement and advancement of railroad safety in areas related to track construction, track maintenance, repair activities, and employee safety. Perform (either individually, or as a member or leader of a team) focus inspections and audits of carriers within assigned area or the nation. Prepare daily inspection reports of identified defects, violation reports when necessary and collect sufficient back-up evidence to support agency attorneys in matters of prosecution. Perform (either individually, or as a member or leader of a team) investigations of assigned train accidents occurring on the line of any common carrier engaged in interstate or foreign commerce by railroad. Determine probable cause of accident or incident and whether any federal regulations or railroad rules were violated. Investigate complaints from railroad employees, the general public, legislative or governmental representatives involving unsafe conditions of track or other subject areas of responsibility. Interview complainants, railroad officials, and/or any parties as required for proper investigation of the complaint. 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.