Equipment Inspector

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Permanent, Full Time

The mission of the Rail Safety Division (RSD) is to diligently strive to inspire safe and reliable rail transportation in California by promoting and enforcing railroad, rail crossing and rail transit safety; and by improving or establishing a positive rail safety culture therein, through our inspection and enforcement efforts and our resolve to look beyond the regulations. RSD strives to enforce state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating proactively and effectively to transportation of persons or commodities by rail.

RSD is comprised of the Railroad Operations Safety Branch (ROSB), Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch (RCEB), and Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB).

Department Website:

Under supervision of Rail Safety Inspector
- Supervisor, the incumbent executes elements of the Commission’s safety oversight responsibilities of rail transit and other fixed guideway systems. The incumbent will conduct complex investigative and surveillance activities with respect to maintenance and operations of rail transit agency and other fixed guideway system vehicles and on-track equipment. Incumbent will make comprehensive inspections and investigate adequacy of on-track rail transit vehicle maintenance methods, investigate and inspect general system safety;

make recommendations of proper corrective action to be taken in order to bring rail transit agency systems or equipment into compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and associated rail transit agency Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and relevant agency procedures; audit/review system equipment maintenance records; interpret and confirm results of equipment testing, participate in investigations of rail transit agency and fixed guideway system accidents;

assist in the preparation of reports and exhibits, and does other job-related work as required.

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Prepare and submit a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored.

All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

Final Filing Date: 10/19/2026

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at  All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other
  - Narrative is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.