Track Inspector/Investigator at Public Utilities Commission Sacramento County, CA

Public Utilities Commission; California; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Public Utilities Commission seeks a Track Inspector/Investigator for Sacramento County, CA. The role is field-based with a home office in or near the assigned territory, requiring travel and potential statewide assignments.

You will perform field surveys, surveillance, inspections of railroads, and risk analysis, evaluating safety culture, policies, and regulatory compliance governing track maintenance, under supervision of rail safety leadership.

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver's License (CDL) required with number, class, expiration date, and endorsements/restrictions.
• Experience conducting railroad track inspections and identifying non-compliant conditions per CFR 49 Part 213 and Roadway Worker Safety Part 214.
• Knowledge of railroad operations related to track maintenance and inspection under traffic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys and inspections of railroad track infrastructure.
• Perform surveillance and investigations in assigned territory.
• Evaluate safety culture, policies and regulatory compliance governing track maintenance.
• Conduct risk analysis and report findings to Rail Safety leadership.
• Travel statewide as required, with field time 50% or more.

Skills

Rail safety inspections

Regulatory compliance

Field surveying

Investigation skills

Job description

Track Inspector/Investigator – Sacramento County, CA

Job Description and Duties

Note: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is developing and administering the Rail Safety Inspector (RSI) classification examination. The position can be filled through a Temporary Authorization Utilization (TAU) appointment of up to nine (9) months. To continue beyond nine months, the incumbent must qualify through the examination process.

Under the direction of a Rail Safety Inspector–Supervisor (Superintendent) and a Rail Safety Inspector–Senior, the Rail Safety Inspector–Track will perform field projects related to railroad track infrastructure. Responsibilities include field surveys, surveillance, investigations, routine and focused inspections of railroads, research and risk analysis, and evaluation of safety culture, policies and regulatory compliance governing track maintenance. The incumbent will have an assigned inspection territory and will work primarily in the field, with a home office within or near the territory. The role may require additional statewide assignments as needed.

Travel is required. The position is advertised as limited-term for 12 months, extendable to 24 months or potentially permanent. The position is field-based; field-based workers spend 50% or more time in the field, with an office assigned based on the candidate’s primary residence location.

Working Conditions

The incumbent will report to the local CPUC headquarters office as needed and perform work primarily in the field.

Special Requirements

• A valid California Drivers License (CDL) is required. Applicants must provide CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements or restrictions.
• Experience conducting railroad track inspections and identifying non-compliant conditions per CFR 49 Part 213 and Roadway Worker Safety Part 214.
• Knowledge of railroad operations associated with track maintenance and inspection processes under traffic conditions.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Knowledge of CPUC General Orders and applicable Code of Federal Regulations.
2. Experience with state or federal investigations of railroad accidents, safety, or related areas.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive standard CPUC benefits, including health, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other state employee benefits in accordance with government guidelines.

The California Public Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable law.