Rail Safety Inspector

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff seeks a Rail Safety Inspector to oversee compliance inspections and safety investigations in railroad operations. Applicants should possess relevant experience, a high school diploma, and a valid driver's license. The position offers generous leave and health benefits, alongside a commitment to public safety in the transportation sector.

Benefits

15 days sick leave

15 days annual leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Health coverage

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Flexible spending account

Retirement and supplemental savings plans

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in railroad operations or maintenance.
• Valid SC Class D driver's license required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform compliance inspections of railroad track systems and maintenance machines.
• Investigate serious train accidents and complaints related to railroad safety.
• Plan and document inspections and investigations.

Skills

Effective communication

Proficiency in Outlook

Proficiency in Word

Proficiency in Excel

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation across major utility industries, including electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation. The ORS operates before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and various state and federal regulatory bodies. Additionally, the ORS manages the state's Energy Office, Broadband Office, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and oversees railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

Rail Safety Inspector Job Duties:

1. Track Inspector

   • Perform compliance inspections of railroad track systems, maintenance machines (RMMs), employees, and contractors in South Carolina.
   • Conduct periodic inspections in accordance with §49CFR Parts 213 and 214, reporting on safety compliance, employee procedures, and remedial actions.

2. Investigation Administrator

   • Plan, document, and report on inspections, investigations, and complaints.
   • Coordinate with federal inspectors and railroads, secure lodging, maintain transportation, and file accurate reports and violations.

3. Certification and Compliance

   • Maintain proficiency with relevant CFR parts, attend scheduled training and recurrency.

4. Incident Investigator

   • Investigate serious train accidents, determine causes, and assess regulatory compliance.

5. Complaint Investigator

   • Investigate complaints related to railroad safety, interviewing involved parties and assessing conditions.

South Carolina offers a great place to live and work, with generous benefits and a healthy work-life balance, including:

• 15 days sick leave
• 15 days annual leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending, adoption assistance, retirement, and supplemental savings plans

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma, at least five years of experience in railroad operations or maintenance, valid SC Class D driver's license, ability to operate motor vehicles, effective communication skills, proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel. Additional requirements include:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Travel throughout SC and out-of-state training attendance
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Availability for emergency work at short notice

A state vehicle will be provided, and driver training is required. All employees must attend annual ethics training and are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities. Worksite locations may vary, including attendance at meetings in Columbia, SC.