Motive Power & Equipment Inspector

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is an agency of thoughtful professionals committed to advocating for the public we serve and the industries we regulate. The Commission seeks a Motive Power and Equipment Inspector that will work to ensure the safe movement of freight rail equipment across Nebraska.

• Assist the Transportation Director/Rail Safety Program Manager with the administration of the Nebraska Freight Rail Safety Program, as defined by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.
• Plan and conduct periodic safety inspections to ensure that rail cars and locomotives are in operational compliance with State and Federal safety standards.
• When necessary, issue defects which may result in monetary penalties in the following inspections: complaint investigations, walkway clearance, accident and fatality investigations, and any other assigned inspections.
• Inspect and observe required tests of railroad rolling stock, including motive power and other on-track work equipment and related appurtenances to assure carrier compliance.
• Prior to and/or during assembly and installation, inspect component parts and tests and determine whether they are suitable for the intended service in which they are placed.
• Review the existing and proposed motive power and equipment designs, construction, operation, and maintenance to determine compliance with all applicable laws.
• Keep familiar with new equipment designs and stay updated on all changes in Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
• Conduct investigations of collisions, reportable derailments and other accidents that might have resulted in serious injury.
• Determine probable causes of accidents and if any State or Federal laws were violated and write reports of findings and conclusions.
• Conduct complaint investigations that allege unsafe conditions or non-compliance of motive power and equipment, safety appliances and power brake regulations.
• Participate in special studies and projects as assigned by the director and/or the Federal Railroad Administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

• At least four years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad rolling equipment, or a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical specialization (education may be substituted for two of the four years of this experience requirement and successful completion of the apprentice training program). An applicant with less experience may be considered if accepted into the FRA certification training program;
  
  permanent employment will require successful completion of the FRA certification training program.
• Must possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of construction, testing, inspecting and repair of railroad freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air brakes.
• Knowledge of rail transportation functions, organization of railroad, shipper, manufacturer companies and standard industry rules for personal safety.
• Knowledge of railroad operating procedures associated with the operation of freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives, and air brakes to understand safety significance of deviations and combinations.
• Skills in effective oral and written communication, research methods/techniques; conducting independent research, presenting information to individuals and groups, listening, explaining complex information, strong analytical/problem solving skills.
• Ability to understand and detect deviation from railroad equipment maintenance standards accepted in the industry and ensure compliance with Freight Car Safety Standards, Safety Glazing Standards, Locomotive Safety Standards, Safety Appliance Standards, and Power Brake Standards and related regulations, requirements, and standards.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials such as training and enforcement manuals, regulations, operating and safety rules of the railroad, and similar materials.
• Ability to compose narrative reports of investigative findings that are clear, complete, and grammatically acceptable.
• Ability to record data on standard report forms with a high degree of accuracy.

Salary: $57,000 - $65,000…