RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR

State of California; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California is seeking a Rail Safety Inspector to perform safety oversight over rail transit and fixed guideway systems. The role involves complex investigations, field inspections of track components, and evaluating maintenance practices to ensure compliance with regulations and safety plans.

The position requires field-based work with 50% time in the field and an in-office headquarters. A valid California Driver's License is required, and a narrative Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement is Rail Safety Inspector.
• Desirable qualifications include rail/transit operations experience, track inspection experience, and safety oversight or regulatory experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute safety oversight responsibilities related to rail transit and fixed guideway systems.
• Conduct complex investigative and surveillance activities of transit agency track systems and guideway components.
• Audit maintenance records, perform field inspections, and participate in investigations of accidents.

Skills

Rail safety operations

Safety oversight

Track inspections

Investigations

Job description

$7,136.00 - $8,934.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/20/2026

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

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

Working Conditions

This advertisement is listed specifically for San Franciscolocation.All identified locations will be considered as one candidate pool to fill one position.

This is an in-office position that has been identified as field-based. Field-based workers spend 50% or more time in the field, requiring onsite attendance to perform their duties. Their assigned headquarter office will be based on the selected candidate's primary residence location.

Minimum Requirements

• RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Rail Safety Division/Rail Transit Safety Branch-Rail Transit Ops. Safety Sec. 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).

• 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.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Desirable Qualifications

• Rail/Transit operations, maintenance or safety oversight experience.
• Experience inspecting and maintaining railroad or rail transit system track.
• Experience inspecting and investigating track failures or track related accidents.
• Safety oversight or regulatory experience.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.