RAILROAD SAFETY INSPECTOR-10262023- 51672

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU CHIEF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING DIVISION, KNOX COUNTY

This position is in the Freight & Logistics, Office of Rail Safety and Inspections. A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/Railroad-Safety-Inspector-Track.pdf

This position is remote and works out in field completing inspections up to five (5) days a week and periodically one (1) or two (2) days at home to complete paperwork filings, after an initial training period.

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:

Maintain a valid motor vehicle operator license.
Possess or obtain prior to completion of probationary period a certification by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Summary

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for railroad safety inspection work of considerable difficulty; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: An employee in this class conducts Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 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

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:

Interprets and enforces current railroad standards, laws, safety rules, and regulations to railroad industry.
Provides technical advice and interpretation of regulations to railroad officials when required to improve the quality of compliance.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:

Identifies features of track, railroad cars, signal appliances, switching operations, and other equipment to enhance safety of railroad environment.
Checks railroad inspection data to determine compliance with federal railroad laws.
Identifies deficiencies observed during inspections and/or investigations for compliance with state and federal regulations.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material:

Conducts inspections in Track, Signal and Train Control, Motive Power and Equipment, Hazardous Materials, or Operating Practices to determine compliance with federal and state regulations.
Conducts safety inspections of railroad-related property and operations to evaluate compliance with regard to rail safety standards.
Investigates derailments and other incidents to determine the cause of train accidents.

Performing General Physical Activities:

Walks, climbs, and/or hikes through work sites, including rough terrain and obstacles, to facilitate task completion in a variety of environmental conditions.
Lifts job-related equipment and materials needed to complete assigned tasks in a variety of environmental conditions.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others:

Responds to and investigates complaints and inquiries from the general public, railroad personnel, or federal officials to resolve conflicts and grievances.
Testifies in court proceedings as part of civil litigation, as needed.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others:

Interprets and explains railroad regulations and procedures to supervisors and internal and external partners.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People:

Judges the quality of crossings, signal appliances, walkways, and other state-regulated railroad equipment for proper classification.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:

Monitors switches, switch machines, and crossing equipment by observation and testing to ensure proper functioning.
Monitors, visually or by electronic devices, the loading of hazardous materials into rail cars to ensure proper loading procedures are followed.
Monitors radio communications among railroad employees for compliance with federal regulations.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:

Evaluates railroad operations and procedures to determine compliance with federal regulations.
Evaluates tools and equipment used by railroad industry to determine compliance with standards and specifications.
Refers to past reports to confirm that previously discovered defects and violations have been addressed and/or corrected.

Interacting With Computers:

Uses a computer to compose findings gathered during railroad inspections and investigations for review and reference.
Organizes technical information gathered during inspections for reports.
Uses office productivity software including but not limited to word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, database software, web-based email programs, instant-messaging programs, and search engines.

Documenting/Recording Information:

Prepares federal and state reports relating to inspections of railroads and related entities for distribution to proper railroad authorities and officials.
Documents all aspects of non-compliant conditions discovered during inspections, and any precautionary steps to be taken, using notebooks and electronic devices for reporting and archiving.
Records and documents conversations with railroad employees pertaining to investigations.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:

Plans systematic, risk-based inspection schedule for assigned territory to ensure efficiency in operations.
Communicates with railroad company contacts to schedule inspections, railroad and crossing repairs, or follow-up investigations.

Processing Information:

Prepares comprehensive reports via electronic device to compile information gathered during inspections and generate completed reports for distribution and review.

Getting Information:

Obtains information through visual inspection of all railroad appliances.
Receives phone calls, emails, and other communications from general public, private organizations, public officials, railroad officials and employees, federal railroad officials pertaining to railroad-related conditions.
References railroad inspection databases to obtain list of locations to be inspected.
Accesses federal websites to verify and obtain railroad-related information.
References archives of federal inspection reports to reveal patterns of non-compliance.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems:

Coordinates with railroad authorities to facilitate correction of defects.
Recommends remedial action to correct defects when needed through verbal communication and written reports.
Advises of best practices according to industry standards and federal regulations.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:

Uses state vehicle to travel to and from assigned railroad inspection territories and respond if needed to railroad emergencies, such as derailments.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:

Communicates with general public, private organizations, public officials, railroad officials and employees, and federal railroad officials to discuss and gather information related to railroad subject matter.

Assisting and Caring for Others:

Responds appropriately during roadside, work site, and other emergencies as required.

Coaching and Developing Others:

Assists in the training of entry-level employees by providing on-the-job training and guidance as needed to facilitate learning and development.

Performing Administrative Activities:

Responds to emails, phone calls, and other correspondence as required.
Enters personal time and leave/overtime requests into the appropriate databases as required.
Provides periodic reports and other documentation to supervisor as required.
Maintains databases of fieldwork-related information for future use and reference.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:

Maintains knowledge of changes in federal railroad safety laws that impact federal inspections.
Attends training classes as required by Federal Railroad Administration to maintain certifications.
Seeks out work-related developmental opportunities to improve performance.
Attends conferences and seminars conducted by manufacturers, trade organizations, and suppliers related to the railroad industry.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:

Maintains an open dialogue with internal partners to ensure effective and efficient communications.
Maintains communication with supervisors and peers to give status updates on work activities.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment:

Creates visual representation of railroad accidents and incidents as part of documentation procedures.

Scheduling Work and Activities:

Schedules personal workload to ensure coverage of assigned territory.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with railroads, private industry, labor organizations, the general public, and other local, state, and federal officials to ensure a harmonious work environment.

Competencies

Competencies:

Problem Solving
Planning
Informing
Process Management
Time Management
Action Oriented
Written Communications
Listening
Self-Development
Strategic Agility

Knowledge:

Knowledge of Construction of railroad tracks and related appliances
Knowledge of Mechanics as it pertains to locomotives and rail cars
Knowledge of railroad Transportation regulations and processes for freight and passengers service
Basic knowledge of computers and electronics

Skills:

Active learning
Active listening
Critical thinking
Reading comprehension
Writing
Quality control analysis
Time management

Abilities:

Deductive reasoning
Memorization
Number facility
Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Extent flexibility
Near vision
Far Vison

Tools & Equipment

• Personal Computer
• Telephone
• Fax Machine

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.