TRACK SAFETY SPECIALIST, M54

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are involved in professional level work involving monitoring and investigating railroad accidents, derailments and track safety.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Investigates railroad accidents, derailments, or complaints on railroad operations.
• Instructs railroad personnel in track safety inspection and detection, including procedures to protect rail traffic when deviations exist.
• Monitors track inspections performed by carrier assigned inspectors.
• Assists railroad and law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens and property at accident scenes, and in determining causes of accidents.
• Reviews records of railroad company operations, including track maintenance activities and train weight loads and speeds to determine compliance with orders and standards.
• Appears as an expert witness at hearings on railroad safety.
• Represents the State at public meetings, with railroad officials, and to State and Federal agencies in discussing accidents, complaints, safety procedures and/or compliance with standards.

LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:

Level I:                                                Code:  M54A                                        Salary Band:   J

This job family consists of only one level and employees are responsible for performing all functions involving the investigation and monitoring of track safety and railroad operations.  In this role they will provide instruction to railroad personnel in methods and techniques of inspections, monitor inspections of carrier assigned inspectors, investigate accidents and protect the public, and prepare and submit detailed reports on inspections, accident investigations and railroad safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of equipment, terminology, maintenance methods and standards of the railroad industry regarding safety inspection of tracks, roadbeds, crossings and right-of-ways; of actions necessary for compliance; and of Federal and State laws and standards of railroad safety.  Ability is required to perform and/or evaluate complex technical inspections of railroad tracks equipment and operational records in order to determine factors in accidents and to recommend preventative actions; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements are in compliance with US Statute Title 49, Section 225.75 and consist of four years experience in track construction or maintenance at or above the level of track foreman OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical specialty may substitute for two years of the required experience OR completion of an apprentice training program approved by the Associate Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Successful completion of the Federal Railroad Administration track certification must be completed prior to expiration of the probationary period.