Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) DIRECT HIRE (SME)

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) you will:

• Perform inspections of railroad Emergency Notification Systems (CFR 49 Part 234 Subpart E) U.S. DOT Crossing InventoryReporting (49 CFR Part 234 Subpart F) and public authority compliance with the Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zones (49 CFR Part 222).
• Investigate independently or as part of a team grade crossing collisions and trespasser incidents/accidents as assigned. Prepareany necessary analysis and recommendations to senior managers and specialists.
• Promote Department of Transportation (DOT) and FRA crossing safety and trespasser prevention programs and new initiativeswithin the Districts assigned geographical area.

The ideal candidate for this position is a mid-level professional with strong technical background in applying current Federal railroad safety standardspertaining to grade crossing accident investigation techniques in determining the best method of obtaining compliance as well as stronganalytical and communication skills; and experience with conducting inspections pertaining to grade crossing and with mitigating trespassingand their capabilities and limitations; mission focused and is looking for great health benefits and a stable work-life environment.

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

This is an open continuous announcement for90 dayswith various cut-off dates. We will routinely review applications.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• DRIVERS LICENSE: Applicant must posess and maintain a valid State issued Drivers License.
• MOBILE WORK: Duty station will be serving the geographical area of selection. The duty location for mobile worker could be your residence or other approved mobile work site(s) and is subject to management approval. You will be required to establish and maintain a residence in the same geographical area as the preponderance of work for this position. (Or within 50 commuting miles of your assigned duty location).

**CONTINUED IN OTHER INFORMATION SECTION**

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position you must meet theBasicrequirementsAND the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

• Knowledge of the railroad industry including economic and operating considerations and equipment; AND
• Knowledge of the general safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry; AND
• Knowledge of railroad accident investigation techniques; AND
• Skill in written and oral communication.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify for the Grade 12 you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience in ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing grade crossing inspection activitiesconducting focused inspections assessing safety complaints and performing accident/trespass investigations.
• Experience in producing grade crossing inspection and violation reports narrative accident/incident reports and presentingsafety-related information to federal and state stakeholders.
• Experience in conducting outreach and education programs (e.g. Operation Lifesaver) to reduce trespassing incidents andimprove grade crossing safety including coordinating with public officials law enforcement and the general public.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge skills abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Grade Crossing & Trespassing Knowledge - Reviews and evaluates applications for waiver of requirements of Federal regulations and standards applicable to highway-rail crossing safety regulations pertaining to 49 CFR Part 222 and 49 CFR Part 234 Subparts E and F. Makes recommendations to approve or reject applications.
2. Rail Inspections & Investigations - Performs inspections of railroad Emergency Notification Systems (CFR 49 Part 234 Subpart E); Performs inspections of railroad records of U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Reporting (49 CFR Part 234 Subpart F); Performs inspections of railroad and public authority compliance with the Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zones (49 CFR Part 222). Investigates independently or as part of a team grade crossing collisions and trespasser incidents/accidents as assigned. Prepares any necessary analysis and recommendations to Senior Managers and Specialists.
3. Oral Communication - Communicates technical requirements safety guidance and regulatory information to railroads local officials FRA specialists and the general public. Delivers outreach programs and safety presentations (e.g. Operation Lifesaver workshops community meetings school programs) to promote grade crossing and trespass prevention. Provides technical advice and guidance at meetings hearings and workshops to support FRA initiatives and compliance enforcement.
4. Written Communication - Reviews draft FRA policy initiatives and provide clear actionable comments and detailed inspection investigation and compliance reports documenting findings analysis and recommendations.

For all types of consideration experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional philanthropic religious spiritual community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions please click on the following link: applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.