Railroad Safety Inspector; Track SME

Position: Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME
Summary

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/01/2026 to 07/30/2026

Salary $89,508 - $145,468 per year

Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Pay scale & grade GS 12

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Los Angeles, CA

Denver, CO

Pueblo, CO

Atlanta, GA

Show morefewer locations (14)

Des Moines, IA

Baltimore, MD

Saint Louis, MI

New York, NY

Portland, OR

Columbia, SC

Appleton, WI

Appleton, WI

Brown County, WI

Calumet County, WI

Green Bay, WI

Outagamie County, WI

Portage, WI

Stevens Point, WI

Remote job No Telework eligible Yes-This position may be eligible for situational telework. Telework approval will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency's telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position. Travel Required 76% or greater - Travel is required.

Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time - Full Time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

12

Job family (Series)

* 2121 Railroad Safety

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process

* Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure Yes - The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter. Bargaining unit status Yes - This is a Bargaining unit position represented by AFGE 1084.

Announcement number FRA.DH
- Control number

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Many', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

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As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), you will:

* Assess railroad compliance with the carrier's track inspection process to support compliance with federal regulations and for the improvement and advancement of railroad safety in areas related to track construction, track maintenance, repair activities, and employee safety.

* Perform (either individually, or as a member or leader of a team) focused inspections and audits of carriers within assigned area or the nation.

* Prepare daily automated and electronic inspection reports or identified defects, violation reports when necessary, and collect sufficient back-up evidence to support agency attorneys in the matters of prosecution.

* Perform (either individually, or as a member or leader of a team) investigations of assigned train accidents occuring on the line of any common carrier engaged in interstate or foreign commerce by…