Track Inspector

California Public Utilities Commission; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Public Utilities Commission seeks a Rail Transit Safety Inspector within the Rail Safety Division. The role involves conducting complex inspections and investigations of rail transit track systems to ensure compliance with safety standards and agency procedures.

Under supervision, you will audit maintenance records, assess safety practices, and prepare reports on findings. In-office work with one permanent full-time position; a valid CDL is required and the application includes an

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver's License (CDL) required.

Responsibilities

• Execute elements of the Commission’s safety oversight responsibilities related to rail transit and fixed guideways.
• Conduct complex investigations, inspections of track systems, and assess maintenance and safety compliance.

Job description

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

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

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.

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.

Final Filing Date: 10/20/2026

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Narrative is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.