Railroad Inspector; Track; NY HELPS

Duties Description

Although this position will report to Main Office, the incumbent’s assigned territory encompasses:
Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.

• Inspects railroad tracks, roadbeds, and related structures, such as tunnels, bridges, yards, signals, and other non-moving equipment and structures to ensure compliance with state or federal law.
• Conducts hi-rail inspections to determine track alignment, tie condition, and surface conditions.
• Checks grade crossings for presence and condition of protection devices and warning lights.
• Rides trains to determine smoothness of ride on tracks and through curves, switches, crossovers, and sidings.
• Conducts walking inspections to determine condition of rails, ties, joint bars, bridge structures, piers, switches, guard rails, and other devices.
• Prepares reports documenting conditions, noting deficiencies and actions needed to correct them.
• Investigates complaints about track and structure condition, ensures that deficiencies are corrected or refers to higher level staff for corrective action, and notifies complainants of findings and corrective actions taken.
• Investigates accidents, such as derailments or explosions, to assist in determining probable cause and prepares reports of findings.
• Evaluates rail track capital improvements for safety, effectiveness, and contract compliance.
• Will be required to obtain and maintain various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety programs.
• Requires considerable travel within a designated area of assignment, and may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department’s response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 B/c, candidates must meet the open‑competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:

• Open Competitive:
  Four years of experience in railroad track construction or maintenance.
• Substitution: A bachelor’s degree may substitute for two years of the required experience due to Federal Railroad Administration requirements.
• Continued employment as a Railroad Inspector (Track) is dependent upon acquisition of various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety programs. Failure to obtain and maintain these certifications may result in termination of employment.
• Individuals who do not live within reasonable proximity of the work assignment will find it extremely difficult to satisfy this condition of employment.
• At appointment and continuously thereafter, a valid New York State driver’s license or equivalent proof of ability to meet travel requirements is required.
• Physical/Medical Requirements: A physical and medical examination ensures the ability to perform the duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.
• For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment, requiring no examination but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications.
• At a future date, employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non‑competitive status converted to competitive status without needing to compete in an examination.
• Education credentials must be awarded by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If awarded by an institution outside the U.S., independent verification of equivalency is required.
• Salary range reflects full range for this graded position. For more information, visit .

DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

In compliance with Public Law 99‑603, selected candidates must provide an original document to prove citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. The Department will not sponsor a non‑immigrant for a temporary employment visa (H‑1B or similar), OPT STEM, or a permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to non‑immigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F‑1 or similar).

Health and safety standards are available at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and additional information on degree equivalency can be found at http://.