Signal & Train Control Inspector

Oregon Department of Transportation; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Paid leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem is seeking a Signal & Train Control Inspector to ensure compliance with federal and state rail safety regulations across 24 railroads and more than 900 highway-rail grade crossings. This role combines field inspections, technical analysis and interagency collaboration to enhance rail safety and mobility statewide.

Ideal candidates bring knowledge of federal rail regulations, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to public safety.

Qualifications

• Four years of recent highway-rail grade crossing construction or maintenance experience.
• Or two years of recent crossing construction/maintenance plus a bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Or completion of the Federal Railroad Administration apprentice training program.

Responsibilities

• Observe operation of locomotives and rolling equipment to ensure compliance.
• Audit railroad company records to ensure compliance.
• Observe railroad employees completing operational duties.
• Investigate and review information regarding accidents and unacceptable operating practices.
• Organize and participate in joint investigations and interdisciplinary taskforce operations.
• Reply to and resolve complaints.
• Administer Oregon’s enforcement program for multiple railroads.
• Serve as subject matter expert and technical expert witness as needed.
• Participate in and facilitate sessions at conferences and seminars.
• Work outdoors in all weather approx. 70% of the time with PPE.
• Prepare for timely responses to accident investigations that may require long hours or overnight stays.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Title 49 CFR knowledge

Investigative techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

FRRA apprentice training program

Job description

Rail Compliance Inspector – Signal & Train Control Inspector

Oregon Department of Transportation

Commerce and Compliance Division

Rail Safety & Regulatory Program Branch

Salem / Hybrid

The Role

Are you passionate about rail transportation safety? Join our team as a signal & train control inspector where you will conduct various investigations and ensure enforcement of federal and state regulations across 24 railroads and more than 900 highway-rail grade crossings. This unique role combines field inspections, technical analysis and interagency collaboration to enhance rail safety and mobility statewide. In addition to evaluating crossing designs, signal systems and traffic operations, you will manage projects and serve as a subject matter expert in policy development and in legal proceedings. Ideal candidates for this position bring a mix of analytical skills, federal rail regulation knowledge and commitment to public safety. If you’re ready to help shape the future of rail infrastructure in Oregon, we want to hear from you!

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.

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.

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.

Initial Posting Date

09/04/2026

Application Deadline

09/16/2026

Agency

Department of Transportation

Salary Range

$6,396 - $9,916

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Signal & Train Control Inspector

A Day In The Life

• Observe operation of locomotives and rolling equipment to ensure compliance with program regulations.
• Audit railroad company records to ensure compliance.
• Observe railroad employees completing operational duties.
• Investigate and review information regarding accidents and unacceptable operating practices.
• Organize and participate in joint investigations and interdisciplinary taskforce operations.
• Reply to and resolve complaints.
• Administer Oregon’s enforcement program for multiple railroads.
• Serve as subject matter expert and technical expert witness as needed.
• Participate in and facilitate sessions at conferences and seminars.
• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions approximately 70% of the time and requires use of approved personal protective equipment.
• Must be prepared for timely responses to accident 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

Four years of recent (within the last five years) experience in highway-rail grade crossing construction or maintenance;

OR

Two years of recent (within the last five years) experience in railroad signal highway-rail grade crossing construction or maintenance and a bachelor's degree in engineering;

OR

Successful completion of the Federal Railroad Administration apprentice training program. Proof of the completion of the apprentice program must accompany the application.

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.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Title 49 CFR regulations pertaining to signal and train control.
• Railroad transportation operations management preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use investigative techniques and fact-finding principles and practices.

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 Affiantive Action Employer. 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.

Rail, Compliance, Enforcement, Inspection, Transportation