Railroad Safety Inspector - Track (Eastern Region)

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Railroad Safety Inspector - Track (Eastern Region)

Salary

$50,836.00 - $77,321.00 Annually

Location

Multi-County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CSSC-2025-17511-G5102

Department

Public Utility Commission

Division

PU Trnspt

Opening Date

03/12/2025

Closing Date

3/26/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

G5102

Position Number

00036518

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

G1

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

1702

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Technical Utility Services

Contact Name

Shannon Marciano

Contact Phone

717.787.8714

Contact Email

ra-puchr@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you eager to start a new chapter in your railroad career? If so, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) has an immediate need for an experienced Track Inspector to join our dynamic group of state inspectors. This position gives you the opportunity to inspect and monitor functions of railroad tracks and structures to ensure compliance with Federal & State safety regulations among railroads throughout the Eastern Region. Join our department and keep your career moving!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Track Railroad Safety Inspector, you will focus on minimizing the risk of human casualty and societal loss due to train accidents that are caused by defective conditions of railroad track and structures or hazardous working conditions for railroad employees. You will be responsible for enforcing Federal railroad safety as well as State standards and regulations as they apply to railroad track and structures. Our inspectors work independently and together with railroads making your own monthly schedules for inspections in the assigned territory within the state. You will carry the same responsibilities and authority as a Federal Inspector. You will be required to attend FRA training classes which will require out-of-state travel.


Additional responsibilities include:

  • Planning and implementing a program of periodic inspections to provide optimum coverage of the railroad track network 
  • Preparing and maintaining narrative reports that describe track conditions, accidents, incidents, or safety violations 
  • Collaborating with team members to investigate significant train accidents resulting in injuries
  • Investigating complaints from railroad employees, the general public, or government representatives


The PUC is committed to fostering a diverse, highly skilled workforce capable of exceeding our strategic goals with efficiency while maintaining a constant focus on enhancing safety for the citizens of the commonwealth as well as railroad personnel.


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Four years of railroad experience in track maintenance and safety inspections; or 
  • Four years of railroad experience in locomotive and rail car maintenance and safety inspections; or 
  • Four years of railroad experience in train movement, management, handling, and operating practices; or 
  • Four years of railroad experience in train movement, management, and handling of hazardous materials; or 
  • Four years of railroad experience in signal and train control maintenance and safety inspections.


Special Requirements

  • You must possess a valid driver's license.


Post Employment Requirement:

  • You must pass the appropriate Federal Railroad Administration Qualification Examination within twelve months of the date of appointment.


Other Requirements:

  • This particular position requires four years of full-time railroad experience in track maintenance and safety inspections.
  • PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
  • Candidate will conduct inspections within and must either live in or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties within 6 months of employment:: Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Northampton, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Lehigh, Carbon, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Sullivan, Bradford, Tioga, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Dauphin, York, Adams, Cumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union, Potter, Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Franklin, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, and Blair. 
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions. 


How to Apply:

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing dateLate applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 


Veterans: 


Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

  • 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.


The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

  • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
  • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
  • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
  • You must provide complete and accurate information or:
    1. your score may be lower than deserved.
    2. you may be disqualified.
  • You may only apply/test once for this posting.
  • Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!


See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*


Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01
Selective Certification - Do you possess four or more years of full-time railroad experience in track maintenance and safety inspections?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
05
Do you possess four or more years of full-time railroad experience in locomotive and rail car maintenance and safety inspections?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Do you possess four or more years of full-time railroad experience in train movement, management, handling, and operating practices?
  • Yes
  • No
08
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09
Do you possess four or more years of full-time railroad experience in train movement, management, and handling of hazardous materials?
  • Yes
  • No
10
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
11
Do you possess four or more years of full-time railroad experience in signal and train control maintenance and safety inspections?
  • Yes
  • No
12
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
13
Additional Requirement - Do you live in or are you willing to relocate to one of the following counties within six months of employment: Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Northampton, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Lehigh, Carbon, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Sullivan, Bradford, Tioga, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Dauphin, York, Adams, Cumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union, Potter, Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Franklin, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, and Blair?
  • Yes
  • No
14
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

  • Yes
15

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – INSPECTS RAILROAD TRACK AND STRUCTURES AND REPORTS DEFICIENCIES

Inspect railroad track and railroad track structures for deficiencies and hazardous working conditions for railroad employees and report deficiencies to the carrier and the Federal Railroad Administration to minimize the risk of human casualty and societal loss due to train accidents caused by defective conditions.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience independently inspecting railroad track and railroad track structures for deficiencies and hazardous working conditions for railroad employees and reporting deficiencies to the carrier to minimize the risk of human casualty and societal loss due to train accidents caused by defective conditions.
  • B. I have experience assisting others inspecting railroad track and railroad track structures for deficiencies and hazardous working conditions for railroad employees and reporting deficiencies to the carrier to minimize the risk of human casualty and societal loss due to train accidents caused by defective conditions.
  • C. I have no experience related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The type(s) of railroad track structures you inspected
  3. The type(s) of deficiencies you reported
  4. The actual duties you performed
  5. Your level of responsibility
17

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – CONDUCTS ON-SITE INSPECTIONS

Conduct on-site railroad inspections for compliance with applicable State and Federal Railroad Safety standards and regulations as they apply to railroad track and railroad workers.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience independently conducting on-site railroad inspections for compliance with applicable State and Federal Railroad Safety standards and regulations as they apply to railroad track and railroad workers.
  • B. I have experience assisting others conducting on-site railroad inspections for compliance with applicable State and Federal Railroad Safety standards and regulations as they apply to railroad track and railroad workers.
  • C. I have no experience related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The type(s) of inspections you completed
  3. The actual duties you performed
  4. Your level of responsibility
19

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY IN WRITING

Communicates effectively in writing, in order to prepare and provide written technical reports; define probable cause in relation to accident investigations, and prepare written recommendations in response to complaints to gain cooperation of individuals and organizations.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience preparing technical reports related to railroad field investigations and complaints which included recommendations and conclusions; OR I have instructed others on how to properly prepare technical reports related to field investigations and complaints.
  • B. I have experience assisting others in preparing technical reports related to railroad field investigations and complaints which included recommendations and conclusions.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical report writing or written communication.
  • D. I have no experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The type(s) of technical report(s) you prepared
  3. The actual duties you performed
  4. Your level of responsibility
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
22

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY ORALLY

Communicate effectively orally, in order to meet with railroad employees and managers, government employees, and others to explain and discuss issues or problems to gain cooperation of individuals and organizations.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
  • A. I have experience communicating effectively orally with subordinates, first-line supervisors, second-line supervisors, general managers, and federal track specialists to explain and discuss issues or problems to gain cooperation of individuals and organizations.
  • B. I have experience communicating effectively orally with subordinates, and first-line supervisors to explain and discuss issues or problems to gain cooperation of individuals.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to speech, oral communication, or English Communication.
  • D. I have no experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
23
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
  1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The title(s) of the individuals which you communicated with
  3. The actual duties you performed
24
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120