Equipment Inspector

California Public Utilities Commission; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

California Public Utilities Commission in Sacramento is seeking an Equipment Inspector within the Rail Safety Division. The role focuses on conducting inspections, reviewing maintenance practices, and ensuring compliance with rail safety regulations.

Under supervision of a Rail Safety Inspector - Supervisor, you will perform complex investigative and surveillance activities, audit records, and assist with reporting and enforcement actions to promote safe rail transportation in California.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid California CDL (driver's license).
• Eligibility for the Rail Safety Inspector classification as stated in the job posting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex inspections and assess maintenance practices for rail transit and fixed guideway systems.
• Audit and review system equipment maintenance records; interpret testing results.
• Investigate rail transit safety incidents and recommend corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Assist in preparing reports, exhibits, and documentation for investigations and enforcement actions.

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #

JC-536689

Position #(s)

680-141-3946-012

Working Title

Equipment Inspector

Classification

RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR

$7,136.00 - $8,934.00

Effective July 1, 2025

CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR’s Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions

1

Work Location

Sacramento County

Telework

In Office

Job Type

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Rail Safety Division/Rail Transit Oper Safety Section(North) The mission of the Rail Safety Division (RSD) is to diligently strive to inspire safe and reliable rail transportation in California by promoting and enforcing railroad, rail crossing and rail transit safety; and by improving or establishing a positive rail safety culture therein, through our inspection and enforcement efforts and our resolve to look beyond the regulations. RSD strives to enforce state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating proactively and effectively to transportation of persons or commodities by rail. RSD is comprised of the Railroad Operations Safety Branch (ROSB), Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch (RCEB), and Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB). Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.

Under supervision of Rail Safety Inspector - Supervisor, the incumbent executes elements of the Commission’s safety oversight responsibilities of rail transit and other fixed guideway systems. The incumbent will conduct complex investigative and surveillance activities with respect to maintenance and operations of rail transit agency and other fixed guideway system vehicles and on-track equipment. Incumbent will make comprehensive inspections and investigate adequacy of on-track rail transit vehicle maintenance methods, investigate and inspect general system safety; make recommendations of proper corrective action to be taken in order to bring rail transit agency systems or equipment into compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and associated rail transit agency Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and relevant agency procedures; audit/review system equipment maintenance records; interpret and confirm results of equipment testing, participate in investigations of rail transit agency and fixed guideway system accidents; assist in the preparation of reports and exhibits, and does other job-related work as required.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Prepare and submit a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate your qualifications. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

Required Application Documents

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Narrative is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Application Deadline

Final Filing Date: 11/9/2026