TRACK INSPECTOR

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA) seeks an inspector to perform track inspection and maintenance across rail facilities, including yards and mainline sections. You will inspect, test, and document conditions, coordinating with supervisors for corrective actions.

You will oversee contractor work, ensure FRA safety standards, and contribute to maintenance planning, with duties spanning field verification and reporting.

Qualifications

• 2 years' experience inspecting or constructing rail track work and related facilities OR 5 years' experience working as a heavy construction laborer.
• Valid California Class C driver's license.
• Knowledge of track construction, inspection, and repair methods, materials, and safety procedures.
• Ability to read, interpret plans, prints, specifications and track charts.

Responsibilities

• Inspects and repairs track and switches in yards and on the mainline, including ties, ballast, direct fixation pads, appurtenant structures, and protective enclosures on rail transit right-of-way.
• Performs field tests during track and structure inspections to identify faulty track or maintenance problems; notifies Rail Track Supervisor for corrective action.
• Oversees and monitors track construction or maintenance work performed by outside contractors using plans, prints, specifications, and track charts.
• Inspects rail track construction sites and work locations for compliance with FRA track safety standards; contacts appropriate representatives in event of work modifications or rule violations.
• Assists in identifying requirements for development of track maintenance program and management of maintenance-of-way shop procedures.
• Performs day-to-day track repair, rail replacement, and maintenance; uses drills, spiking, and tamping equipment to maintain track right-of-way.
• Recommends preventive and corrective track maintenance schedules.
• Prepares written reports and maintains daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rail track inspection records.

Skills

Track inspection

Reading plans & charts

Communication skills

Operate track equipment

Tools

Drills

Spiking

Tamping equipment

Job description

Basic Function

Under moderate supervision, performs inspection work on rail transit systems, including preventive and corrective maintenance and construction of track work, busways, loading platforms, and aerial structures.

Recruitment Timelines

Testing is projected to be scheduled for the week of November 2, 2026. These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.

Application cut-off

Please be aware that only the first 100 applicants will be guaranteed consideration for this position.

• Inspects and repairs track and switches in yards and on the mainline, including ties, ballast, direct fixation pads, appurtenant structures, and protective enclosures on rail transit right-of-way
• Performs various field tests during track and structure inspections to identify faulty track or maintenance problems; notifies Rail Track Supervisor for corrective action
• Oversees and monitors track construction or maintenance work performed by outside contractors using plans, prints, specifications, and track charts
• Inspects rail track construction sites and work locations for compliance with Federal Railroad Administration track safety standards; contacts appropriate representatives in event of work modifications or rule violations
• Assists in identifying requirements for the development of track maintenance program and management of maintenance-of-way shop procedures
• Performs necessary day-to-day track repair, rail replacement, and maintenance; uses various drills, spiking, and tamping equipment to maintain track right-of way
• Recommends preventive and corrective track maintenance schedules
• Prepares written reports and maintains daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rail track inspection records
• Contributes to ensuring that the EEO policies and programs of Metro are carried out

• 2 years' experience performing the inspection or construction of rail track work and related facilities OR 5 years' experience working as a heavy construction laborer
• Valid California Class C driver's license

Knowledge

• Methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures of track construction, inspection, and repair, including procedures for entering and working on the mainline
• Federal Railroad Administration track safety standards
• Vehicle operation and safety

Abilites

• Follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively with others
• Perform track construction, inspection, and repair
• Maintain and repair mainline tack
• Interpret plans, prints, specifications and track charts
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Safely operate Metro vehicles
• Safely operate a variety of tools and equipment
• Maintain simple written records
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Tolerate exposure to noise, unpleasant odors, and outdoor work at night and in all types of weather
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• Must be able to perform outdoor work at night and in all types of weather
• Must be able to perform work in tunnels and on aerial structures for various durations in time
• Must be able to respond to emergencies promptly
• Must be able to work in an environment with energized overhead catenary or contact rail power distribution system, long-line freight and vehicular traffic
• Must be able to work on any one of two shifts and weekends
• Must comply with all California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations and utilize approved safety equipment and personal protective gear including, but not limited to, respirators, eye and hearing protective devices (HPD), if and when required
• Must have normal color vision
• Must possess a valid California Class A driver's license upon completion of the probationary period
• Positions in this job classification are considered safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations

(KP)