RAILROAD SAFETY INSPECTOR - 02242026-75255

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, MADISON COUNTY

This position is in the Passenger Transportation, Rail and Freight Division - Region 4 - Rail Safety Section.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Certification by the Federal Railroad Administration as a Railroad Safety Inspector in one the following areas: 1) Track; 2) Signal and Train Control; 3) Motive Power and Equipment; 4) Operating Practices; 5) Hazardous Materials; or 6) Highway-Rail Grade Crossing.

Substitution of Education for Experience: None

Substitution of Experience for Education: Experience equivalent to four years of full-time work with a railroad or railroad regulatory agency may substitute for the required Federal Railroad Administration certification. The certification is required prior to completion of the probationary period.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
1. Maintain a valid motor vehicle operator license.
2. Possess or obtain prior to completion of probationary period a certification by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Overview

Under general supervision, is responsible for railroad safety inspection work of considerable difficulty; and performs related work as required. An employee in this class conducts State and Federal safety inspections and possesses the appropriate FRA certification in one of the following specialty areas: signal and train control, operating practices, track, hazardous materials, highway-rail grade crossing, or motive power and equipment.

Responsibilities

1. Enforces current railroad standards, laws, safety rules, and regulations by providing technical advice and interpreting regulations for railroad officials to ensure compliance and promote safe operations.
2. Identifies features of tracks, railroad cars, signal appliances, and switching operations, and review inspection data to determine compliance with federal laws and identify deficiencies.
3. Conducts thorough inspections of railroad components such as track, signal and train control, motive power, and hazardous materials to evaluate compliance and investigate derailments or incidents.
4. Performs general physical activities including walking, climbing, hiking through rough terrain, and lifting equipment and materials to complete inspections and maintenance tasks safely.
5. Responds to complaints and inquiries from the public, railroad personnel, or federal officials, and testify in court proceedings as needed to resolve conflicts and ensure legal compliance.
6. Provides consultation and advice by interpreting and explaining railroad regulations and procedures to supervisors and partners to support understanding and compliance.
7. Assesses the quality of crossings, signal appliances, walkways, and other state-regulated railroad equipment to ensure proper classification and adherence to standards.
8. Monitors and test switches, switch machines, and crossing equipment, as well as oversee the loading of hazardous materials and radio communications to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Manages Complexity
2. Plans and Aligns
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Optimizes Work Processes
5. Decision Quality

Knowledges:

1. Transportation
2. Engineering and Technology
3. Information Technology

Skills:

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Reading Comprehension
4. Writing
5. Time Management

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Number Facility
3. Speech Clarity
4. Originality
5. Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

1. Telephone
2. Printer
3. Computer

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.