Rail Transit Compliance Specialist

Oregon Department of Transportation; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 68,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem seeks a Compliance Specialist 3 to administer the State Safety Oversight program for rail transit systems and to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. You will conduct investigations, review audits and provide technical assistance to rail operators.

The role requires five years of administrative research experience and a valid U.S. driver's license, with opportunities for professional development and collaboration across agencies.

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations.
• College-level coursework may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
• Valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record; pre-employment checks will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Administer federally mandated State Safety Oversight program for Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems.
• Conduct annual reviews of operating plans and recommend changes.
• Draft annual report of activities and submit to the Federal Transit Administration.
• Review and approve accident/incident reports and track findings and corrective actions.
• Develop standards and procedures for compliance and enforcement activities and for program goals.
• Investigate accidents and testify as needed; perform on-site safety and compliance reviews.
• Coordinate regulatory investigations and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Rail transit experience

Regulatory compliance

Auditing experience

Communication skills

Education

College coursework substitution for experience

Job description

Compliance Specialist 3 – Rail Transit Compliance Specialist

Oregon Department of Transportation

Commerce and Compliance Division

Rail Safety & Regulatory Programs Branch / State Safety Oversight

Salem

Initial Posting Date: 11/09/2026

Application Deadline: 11/16/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Salary Range: $6,090 - $9,444

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Rail Transit Compliance Specialist

The Role

Join our dedicated Commerce and Compliance team as a rail transit compliance specialist. In this role, you will administer the federally mandated State Safety Oversight (SSO) program for all Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems (RFGPTS) that are not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations. In addition to monitoring compliance, you will also conduct accident investigations, review internal audit programs and provide technical assistance to the RFGPTS. If you have experience in rail transit and safety, apply for this exciting opportunity today! Each employee of the Oregon Department of Transportation in the Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD) must be aware of, and adhere to, OAR 740-020-0010 and ORS 823.007. Failure to follow applicable administrative rules and statutes may impact employment. Not sure what this means? Visit the Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD) laws and rules website or contact the recruiter listed below for more information. We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions. Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

A Day In The Life

• Administer federally mandated State Safety Oversight (SSO) program for the Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems (RFGPTS).
• Conduct annual reviews of current operating plans and make recommendations for change.
• Draft annual report of activities for the RFGPTS and submit to the Federal Transit Administration.
• Review and approve the RFGPTS accident/incident reports and maintain a tracking log of findings and corrective action plans.
• Develop standards and procedures for compliance and enforcement activities, program goals and action plans.
• Prepare technical documents for existing and proposed rule changes.
• Develop and provide recommendations for program effectiveness.
• Investigate accidents, take testimony from witnesses and testify in court as a technical expert when needed.
• Perform on-site safety and compliance reviews of the RFGPTS.
• Investigate regulatory complaints and maintain confidentiality while conducting compliance investigations.
• Attend and pass the Public Transportation Safety Certification training program for state and federal employees. Attend courses, workshops and meetings as necessary.
• Work is performed in a typical office setting 50% of the time. The remaining work is performed outside, in all weather conditions and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet operational needs.
• Must be prepared for timely responses to accident or incident investigations that may require long hours or overnight stays.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s In It For You

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications

Five years’ experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations. Three of the five years must be above the technical support level.

College-level coursework may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.

Special Qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What We’d Like To See

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Prior experience working at a rail transit agency preferred.
• Experience as a subject matter expert in rail transit, rail equipment maintenance and/or rail transit track maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to audit records to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in field inspection methods preferred.

Additional Information

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will be represented by the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.