About this role
Job SummaryThe position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee qualification guidelines and carrier employee training programs to determine compliance with existing Federal regulations and standards and investigates railroad accidents using established FRA policies, guides, manuals to determine probable cause.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience applying regulations and orders covering employee qualifications, hours of service, occupational safety and health, radio rules, operating rules and practices, alcohol and drug program administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause. Experience examining carrier records (accident/injury files, hours-of-service, dispatching logs) to identify non-compliance and reporting discrepancies. 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: Grade Crossing & Trespassing Knowledge - Examine carrier operating rules and employee qualification guidelines; observe employees for compliance with rules related to the movement of trains; and assist with blue signal protection inspections; Administer the Federal alcohol and drug control program (Part 219), hours of service (Part 228), and engineer/conductor certification standards (Parts 240/242). Analytical Skills - Synthesize data from locomotive event recorders and dispatching software to verify speed compliance and signal indications. Evaluate the relationship between fatigue, training, and operational stress on railroad employee performance. Investigations Technique - Investigate accidents by visiting sites and determining probable cause (human factors, equipment, etc.); interview employees and witnesses; and investigate complaints from the public regarding unsafe practices. Communication & Technical Writing - Document complex rule violations to withstand legal scrutiny during civil penalty proceedings. Write narrative reports describing accidents and recommending preventive measures. Provide evidence to assist in prosecution and appear in federal court as a witness for the government. 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.
Major DutiesTo be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices), the Qualifications Standard state you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices), you will: Examine carrier operating rules and employee qualification guidelines; observe employees for compliance with rules related to the movement of trains; and assist with blue signal protection inspections; Administer the Federal alcohol and drug control program (Part 219), hours of service (Part 228), and engineer/conductor certification standards (Parts 240/242). Synthesize data from locomotive event recorders and dispatching software to verify speed compliance and signal indications. Evaluate the relationship between fatigue, training, and operational stress on railroad employee performance. Investigate accidents by visiting sites and determining probable cause (human factors, equipment, etc.); interview employees and witnesses; and investigate complaints from the public regarding unsafe practices. Document complex rule violations to withstand legal scrutiny during civil penalty proceedings. Write narrative reports describing accidents and recommending preventive measures. Provide evidence to assist in prosecution and appear in federal court as a witness for the government. The ideal candidate is a mid-level professional to serve as a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices). In this role, you will be the "boots on the ground" ensuring that railroads operate safely and in compliance with Federal laws. You will be responsible for a designated territory, conducting inspections, investigating accidents, and ensuring that railroad personnel are qualified, rested, and drug-free.RequirementsThis is an open continuous announcement for 90 days with various cut-off dates. We will routinely review applications. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DRIVER'S LICENSE: Applicant must posess a State issued Driver's License. MOBILE WORK: Duty station will be serving the geographical area of selection. The duty location for mobile worker could be your residence or other approved mobile work site(s) and is subject to management approval. You will be required to establish and maintain a residence in the same geographical area as the preponderance of work for this position. (Or within 50 commuting miles of your assigned duty location). **CONTINUED IN "OTHER INFORMATION" SECTION**