The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Motive Power & Equipment Division. A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in the execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power and equipment.
To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Motive Power & Equipment), the Qualifications Standard state you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. Railroad accident investigation techniques. Communication in writing and orally. Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety appliances and power brakes, their capabilities and limitations; and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars, safety appliances, and power brakes. For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following: Experience in the functionality of mechanical equipment that pertains to design, maintenance, testing, and inspections of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations. Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations. Experience producing electronic and automated inspection and violation reports that describe defective conditions, narrative accident /incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
This is an Open and Continuous announcement. Applications will be reviewed and selections may be made at any time before the closing date. If your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be notified via USAJOBS. All applicants will receive a final update once selections are complete. As a Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) you will: Plan and carry out periodic inspections providing assurance that railroad cars and locomotives are operational in compliance with federal safety standards. The inspector is charged with the impartial and uniform application of the laws, rules, and regulations, orders and standards pertaining to railroad equipment. Inspectors are responsible to carry out their inspections in accordance with the General Compliance Manual, MP&E Compliance Manual, FRA Technical Bulletins. Inspectors must additionally follow instruction given by the MP&E specialist and the Technical Train Standards Division Instructors. Conducts inspections in accordance with the National Safety Program Plan. Make recommendations for civil penalty assessments using discretion and interpretation of established Federal Railroad Administration doctrine.' Inspect and observe tests of railroad rolling stock, including motive power, other on- track equipment, and related appurtenances to determine compliance with established applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders and standards. Prior to or during assembly and installation, inspect and observe tests and component parts of railroad facilities to determine whether such parts are suitable for the intended service. This position is perfect for a mid-level professional with strong technical background in applying current Federal railroad safety standards pertaining to Motive Power and Equipment, as well as strong analytical and communication skills; and experience to conduct inspections pertaining to power brake systems, locomotives, railroad cars, and their related mechanical and electrical components and their capabilities and limitations; mission focused, ability to interface with all levels of railroad management, as well as the labor unions, and is looking for great health benefits and a stable work-life environment.