Track Inspector

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

Job summary

The California Public Utilities Commission is seeking a Track Inspector in Los Angeles County. This permanent, full-time, in-office position supports the Rail Safety Division, Rail Transit Safety Branch, focusing on track systems inspection and safety compliance.

Under supervision, you will conduct complex investigations, audit track maintenance records, and prepare reports. A valid California CDL is required, and applicants may need to submit an SOQ and education transcripts if used to meet

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver's License (CDL) required.
• Prepare and submit a narrative Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) detailing training, experience, and education.
• Education documentation may be required (transcripts/diploma) if used to meet minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex investigations and surveillance of transit agency track systems and other guideway components.
• Audit/review track maintenance records and inspection results; interpret findings and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare reports and exhibits; assist in investigations of rail transit agency and fixed guideway system incidents.
• Perform field inspections and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safety plans.

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-536701

Position #(s): 680-141-3946-005

Working Title: Track 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: Los Angeles County

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).

Department Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/

Job Description And Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

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 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.

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.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at https://www.naces.org

Employment information on the STD 678 State Application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.

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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.