Motive Power & Equipment Inspector

Motive Power & Equipment Inspector

Agency:
Public Service Commission - Agency 14

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Salary: $57,000 - $65,000 per year (negotiable). Hiring rate: $27.404.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is a regional agency committed to ensuring safe movement of freight rail equipment across Nebraska. The Commission seeks a Motive Power & Equipment Inspector who will provide technical expertise in enforcing federal railroad safety laws, policies and regulations related to motive power and equipment. The selected applicant will plan, prepare, analyze and coordinate investigations related to freight rail carrier safety.

• 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 rail cars and locomotives are in operational compliance with state and federal safety standards. Issue defects which may result in monetary penalties during inspections: complaints investigations, walkways, close clearance, accident and fatality investigations and 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 to determine suitability for intended service.
• Review existing and proposed motive power and equipment designs, construction, operation and maintenance to determine compliance with all applicable laws. Stay familiar with new equipment designs and updates in Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
• Conduct investigations of collisions, reportable derailments and other accidents that might have resulted in serious injury. Determine probable causes and evaluate compliance with state or federal laws, writing reports of findings and conclusions.
• Conduct complaint investigations alleging 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• At least four years of recent experience in construction or maintenance of railroad rolling equipment.
• Or a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical specialization with education substituted for two of the four years of experience and successful completion of the apprentice training program.
• Less experience may be considered if accepted into the FRA certification training program, which is required for permanent employment.

Must possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license.

• Construction, testing, inspection and repair of railroad freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives, and air brakes.
• Rail transportation functions, organization of railroad, shipper and manufacturer companies, and standard industry rules for personal safety.
• Railroad operating procedures associated with freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air brakes sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations and combinations.
• Proper remedial actions to bring defective freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air brakes into compliance with applicable federal standards.

• Effective oral and written communication.
• Research methods/techniques and independent research.
• Presenting information to individuals and groups.
• Listening, understanding and explaining complex information; strong analytical/problem‑solving skills.
• Comprehending information conveyed in a document or report.

• Understand and detect deviation from industry-maintenance standards and ensure compliance with predefined safety standards.
• Read and comprehend training and enforcement manuals, regulations, operating and safety rules of the railroad.
• Compose narrative reports of investigative findings that are clear, complete and grammatically correct.
• Record data on standard report forms with high accuracy.

The state offers a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.

The State of Nebraska values teams as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging. The state recruits, hires, trains and promotes in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.