Track Inspector

American Track; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

North American Rail Solutions (NARS) seeks an experienced Track Specialist to monitor railroad track functionality and ensure compliance with FRA Track Safety Standards. The role requires on-ground inspections, data-driven defect assessment, and coordination with management for remedial actions.

The candidate should have 2+ years of hi-rail experience and 3+ years in railroad construction/maintenance, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; further education preferred.
• Associate’s degree in construction/business management or equivalent preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• 2+ years operating hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections; 3+ years railroad construction, repair, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement periodic inspections for optimum coverage of the track network.
• Perform on-ground inspections to assess defects and determine corrective actions.
• Inspect track structure for compliance with policies and regulations.
• Detect deviations from regulations and communicate with Area manager to implement remedial action.
• Inspect completed work to verify conformance to government regulations.
• Prepare inspection reports for management and government compliance.
• Perform special inspections during severe weather or other damaging events.
• Identify opportunities for market expansion into new services or geographies.

Skills

FRA Track Safety Standards

Roadway Worker Protection rules

Drive long hours travel

Verbal and written communication

Relationship building

Planning and time management

Self-motivation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in construction/business management

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

North American Rail Solutions (NARS) is seeking an experienced Track Specialist with expert-level knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards. The Track Specialist is a senior level inspector that monitors railroad track functionality and structure to assure compliance with federal safety regulations. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge and understand the requirements of FRA Part 213, detect deviations, and prescribe proper remedial action. The Track Specialist must be detail-oriented, a skilled problem-solver, and able to learn and apply federal and railroad rules, regulations, and policies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement a program of periodic inspections to provide optimum coverage of the railroad track network in the assigned territory and ensure compliance with FRA Class 1 requirements
• Perform on-ground inspections where defects are indicated to determine the seriousness of the problems and best means of correction.
• Inspect railroad track structure for compliance with railroad policy and federal/state regulations
• Detect deviations from federal/state regulations. Communicate with local Area manager and implement remedial action on defects, pending repair
• Inspect completed work to verify conformance to government regulations
• Prepare inspection reports for management and government compliance
• Perform special inspections of the track structure in times of severe weather or other events that may damage the railroad
• Perform other tasks necessary to the efficient operation of the railroad
• Identify opportunities for market expansion into new related services or geographies in support of the overall regional and company growth plans.
• Support key customer relationships and participate in closing strategic opportunities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate’s degree in construction/business management, or equivalent work experience, preferred
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Experience Required:

• 2+ years experience operating a hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections
• 3+ years experience railroad construction, repair, and maintenance
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Knowledge of rail maintenance and/or commercial construction operations
• Track inspection (FRA or non-FRA) in order to help identify and evaluate opportunities

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• FRA Track Safety Standards
• Roadway Worker Protection rules
• Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly, with overnight stay
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with others
• Excellent planning and time management abilities
• Self-motivated, able to maintain schedules and execute on sales activities with minimal supervision day-to-day

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Constant physical effort, including standing, stoop, bend, and crouch, is required during regular work shift of at least 8 hours per day.
• Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds
• Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground, in varying weather conditions to include extreme heat, rain, cold.
• Ability to climb on and off on-track equipment safely.
• Outdoor work environment periodically exposes employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a construction project.