Railroad Safety Supervisor

Job Code: 32001008
Salary Grade: NC16
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

This is administrative and supervisory work in the technical review of the safety enforcement activities across the state by railroad safety inspectors and safety compliance officers. The primary purpose of the position is to supervise, administer, direct, and manage participation in the Federal Railroad Administration Safety Program and provide for the enforcement of safety regulations in the disciplines of Track Safety, Motive Power and Equipment, Signal and Train Control, Operating Practices, and Hazardous Materials. The position checks for unsafe conditions and/or noncompliance with regulations, and ensures uniform interpretation and application of State and Federal laws, orders, rules, and regulations pertaining to railroad safety. Safety regulations target the areas of railroad design, construction, and maintenance, use of track, structures, and related components. The secondary purpose of the position is to perform inspections and investigations. In this role, the position applies impartial and uniform application of laws and regulations, determines carrier compliance, and may also initiate prosecutions under legislative authority. With respect to accidents, the position may serve as lead accident investigator and secure evidence, conduct tests, take physical measurements and photographs, construct diagrams, review records, and interview witnesses. After completing investigations, positions submit comprehensive reports including all gathered information, findings of fact, recommendations, and probable cause for the accident. Serves as lead manager and point of responsibility for Federal Transit Administration State Safety Oversight Program for fixed guideway transit systems.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of rail transportation functions, the organization of the railroad industry, shipper and manufacturing companies, and standard industry rules for safety.
• Thorough knowledge of railroad rules, practices, record systems, and terminology common to operating and maintenance functions; economic and practical operating considerations, safety and health concerns involved in selecting railroad track design and type; in developing repair capabilities suitable for use by various railroad systems; technical knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of a wide variety of track, turnout, and bridge constructions and designs, and their related mechanical and structural components under various environmental conditions.
• Working knowledge of component parts of railroad tracks and the effects that the conditions of these parts have on track-to-train dynamics.
• Thorough knowledge of industry regulations with the ability to administer the enforcement of laws and regulations in a reasonable manner.
• Working knowledge of proper remedial action to be taken by railroad operators in order to comply with the appropriate regulation or law.
• Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, concisely, and grammatically both orally and in writing.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, safety related degree or related technical field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in the construction and maintenance of railroad systems; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.