Definition
Under general direction, conducts and/or directs the work of railroad track investigations to ensure statewide compliance with Federal Railroad Safety Act; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Assists supervisor by instructing employees, answering questions and distributing, balancing and checking work; may make suggestions on appointments, promotions, performance and reassignments.
Inspects railroad track and roadbed for surface wear, alignment, curvature, elevation, drainage stability, and related conditions to determine conformance to established track safety standards; detects violations of standards and prescribes remedial action to be taken by railroad companies.
Examines records, track material, cross level, and gauge to determine adequacy of track for prescribed maximum loadings and speeds in accordance with federal track safety standards.
Prepares reports of field inspections to indicate findings and recommended action.
Testifies on railroad track conditions at safety standards enforcement proceedings.
Confers with railroad officials to secure cooperation in complying with safety inspection standards.
Consults with superiors to plan, develop, and implement railroad safety inspection methods and procedures; assists in the direction and overseeing of track inspections.
Conducts investigations of railroad accidents referred to the Utilities Division of the Iowa Department of Commerce by Federal Railroad Administration.
- Inspects and directs track construction work necessary to achieve standard conditions on sections of trackage previously identified as requiring replacement or repair.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of railroad track construction and maintenance.
Knowledge of railroad track inspection methods and procedures.
Knowledge of federal and state standards and regulations relative to railroad track safety.
Ability to detect track conditions that do not conform to established safety standards and to prescribe proper remedial action.
Ability to interpret and use computer data printout information generated by the track geometry car in determining track conditions and areas requiring onsite inspections to detect track deficiencies.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
- Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
- Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and six years of progressively responsible railroad track construction/maintenance experience which included three years of advanced technical level experience in track and roadbed inspection;
OR
a four-year undergraduate degree in civil engineering, or closely related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university and two years of engineering experience associated with railroad track construction/maintenance.
Notes
Positions require travel.