RAILROAD INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Rail & Transit, has a full-time vacancy for a Railroad Inspector/Investigator.

Summary:

Applies independent judgment and decision-making in inspecting, investigating, and monitoring railroad tracks, equipment, and structures to assure compliance with Federal safety standards, applicable rules, and health regulations. Ensures the proper maintenance of railroad tracks, railroad rights-of-way, and railroad maintenance and inspection records and conducts investigations of railroad accidents or complaints of railroad safety.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced below! See Per 405.1 .

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Associate's degree from an accredited institute of higher education in mechanical or architectural engineering technology or any related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one (1) year of required work experience.

Experience: Six (6) years of recent experience in railroad inspection or railroad construction. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one (1) year of required formal education.

License/Certification: Must possess a valid Driver License and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Inspector Certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must meet general qualifications of inspection personnel pursuant to 49CFR Sub C, Section 212.201. Must successfully complete Federal Railroad Administration Inspector Certification pursuant 49CFR Sub C Sec. 212.203 before completion of the one-year probationary period.

PREFERRED WORK TRAITS:

Thorough knowledge of the railroad transportation industry, including common practices and methods of operation. Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the operation of railroads. Skill in questioning witnesses and attorneys to elicit information. Skill in gathering a wide variety of information and statistics. Skill in writing concise reports. Skill in working with a diverse group of people. Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority. Ability to climb steep slopes, walk long distances to inspect track and work under hazardous conditions. Ability to carry ladders, operate chainsaw and other handheld equipment as required for thorough track and structure inspections. Ability to take measurements and prepare accurate sketches and reports. All accountabilities must be performed in accordance with State and Department rules and policies, including risk management, safety and environmental standards, regulations and administrative orders.

Responsibilities:

Inspects railroad tracks, railroad/highway grade crossings, and other rail-related components for compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and applicable company standards. Completes federal reporting and forms for non-state-owned properties and verifies that all required remedial actions are carried out when specified. Investigates accidents involving railroad operations, responding immediately for emergencies, when necessary, on a 24 hours per day basis.

Conducts inspections of tourist railroad operations, equipment, track, track components, and all other structures as required; conducts and coordinates the same for Cog Railroad operations. Inspects and monitors railroad and other on-rail use on state-owned facilities to ensure compliance with State Railroad Operating Agreements, or other prevailing agreements, including all applicable and mutually acceptable safety standards. Mediates issues, prepares documents, and facilitates meetings to address inspection or compliance-related issues.

Investigates complaints of railroad conditions, operations, or service to determine if there are verified safety concerns. Writes correspondence about corrective action needed to remedy safety issues or to repair known defects and completes follow-up administrative reports and documents.

Maintains data and metrics and prepares annual summaries and ad-hoc reports on railroad inspection and investigation activities. Communicates regulatory and industry guidance that may impact railroad safety and ensures best practices in operations and security for the State. Determines the need for and conducts safety meetings and training sessions for railroad employees and other related entities, regarding proper and safe inspection and maintenance procedures of track facilities, consistent with industry standards.

Develops action plans to communicate compliance criteria updates, identifying any regulatory or legislative changes that would impact State Railway operations. Works with administration and with the Railroad Operations Engineer to identify weaknesses or noncompliance areas and recommends adjustments needed to achieve safety effectiveness.

Explains, both verbally and in writing, relevant state and federal railroad codes, laws, rules, and regulations to railroad officials, union representatives, industry representatives, property owners, county and municipal representatives, and the general public. Evaluates requests to install, modify and/or remove signal components or other train control systems. Examines petitions for operations and crossings and prepares and presents information and recommendations at hearings as required.

Performs statewide field inspections, including railroad/highway grade crossing for proper visibilities, road condition, protective and warning devices, railroad track geometry, and related signals and equipment to document the crossing condition and provides input to inform the Department’s Railway - Highway Grade Crossing Program and Highway-Rail Grade Crossing State Action Plan.

Participates in the Department’s railroad crossing evaluation team to assist in developing prioritized projects for the Department’s Railway - Highway Grade Crossing Program and provides technical expertise in the investigations/inspection areas.

Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Charles Corliss, Hiring Manager, at (603) 271-3465 or at Charles.A.Corliss@dot.nh.gov

For assistance creating your talent profile or applying online please contact Jim Roberg, at (603)-271-8025 or at James.G.Roberg@dot.nh.gov .

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 13.85% of pay

Other Benefits:

* Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

* Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

*State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964