SENIOR RAILROAD INSPECTOR
In New Jersey, Senior Railroad Inspector is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying turns on 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $54,673 and $79,523.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of a Principal Railroad Inspector or other supervisor in the Department of Transportation, works under general supervision investigating railroad facilities to determine mechanical, service, or grade crossing conditions; and/or inspects railroad equipment and repair shops to determine compliance with established safety standards; does other related duties as required. NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Examples of work
Inspects railroad equipment, specifically rolling stock, to determine compliance with safety requirements particularly with respect to running gear equipment, dead man controls, air brake systems, light, cleanliness, and other factors to ensure safe, adequate, and proper service to the general public. Performs passenger counts on trains and at stations, and traffic counts at railroad-highway crossings at grade and other observations. Inspects railroad passenger stations and passenger coaches to ascertain that standards of safety and cleanliness are maintained. Investigates accidents on railroads and at grade crossings to ascertain cause and develops recommendations for corrective action intended to prevent the recurrence of such accidents. Inspects rail locomotive and other railroad equipment to ensure that established safety standards are met. Attends formal hearings as a staff representative. Gathers and organizes data pertaining to railroad service matters involving discontinuance or curtailment of train schedules and stations and the abandonment of rail lines. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Prepares memorandums and reports. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in the investigation and/or inspection of railroad facilities and equipment and railroad grade crossings, structures, and/or services or operations; or in the inspection and recording of mechanical and/or electrical inspections; or the inspection and recording of mechanical and electrical railroad equipment.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of regulations, policies, purposes, standards, and procedures of the department after a period of training. Knowledge of regulations, policies, purposes, standards, and procedures of the Interstate Commerce Commission as relevant to railroad operations and services. Knowledge of state and federal laws governing the operation of railroads and the established standards of safety of operation for railroad facilities and equipment. Knowledge of railroad operations including practices and procedures used by railroads in plotting train schedules and of records kept by railroads concerning train performance and passenger loads. Knowledge of methods of inspection used to determine compliance with plans and specifications for the construction of grade crossings and the installation of grade crossing warning devices. Knowledge of railroad equipment and repair shop procedures. Knowledge of standards for the equipment, maintenance, and housekeeping of railroad stations. Ability to analyze assigned problems of railroad operation and service. Ability to organize assigned inspection and investigation work, and to develop effective field and office work methods. Ability to interpret and apply state laws, rules, and regulations of the department relevant to service facilities and equipment of railroads and the construction of railroad highway grade crossing elimination projects. Ability to note and apprise significant facts and conditions during inspections and investigations of railroad facilities to draw realistic conclusions based on findings. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inspections and investigations. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.