Launch Your Career as a Railroad Safety Inspector with the FRA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a significant public service impact? The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is currently seeking experienced professionals to serve as Railroad Safety Inspectors (Grade Crossing). This is a rare opportunity to join the Department of Transportation during a pivotal time for American infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities
As a Railroad Safety Inspector, your primary goal is the enforcement of safety regulations and the reduction of risks at highway-rail crossings. Key duties include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Inspecting railroad Emergency Notification Systems and verifying compliance with the Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zone regulations.
- Investigation: Leading or participating in investigations into collisions and trespasser incidents.
- Outreach: Conducting educational workshops, such as Operation Lifesaver, to promote grade crossing safety within local communities.
- Reporting: Creating detailed, actionable inspection reports that inform senior management and support enforcement actions.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate a deep knowledge of the railroad industry and safety principles. Candidates should have a background that proves they can handle:
- Technical investigations of railroad accidents.
- Clear communication of complex regulatory information to stakeholders.
- Expertise in 49 CFR Part 222 and 234 regulations.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the GS-12 grade level.
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Grade 12 | $89,508 - $121,720 |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides some of the best benefits available in the country:
- Health and Wellness: Access to top-tier health insurance plans.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, alongside a supportive, collaborative work environment.
Application Tips
Because this is a competitive recruitment, accuracy is key. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages long and clearly documents your experience, hours worked, and specific roles. Always verify that all required documents are successfully uploaded to the online portal before the deadline.
If you have the skills to ensure our railways remain safe and efficient, the FRA offers a stable, rewarding environment to advance your career. Apply today to contribute to the future of American transportation.
Why This Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme) Job Matters
Elevate your career in public safety by protecting the nation’s railways—join the Federal Railroad Administration as a Grade Crossing Safety Inspector.
Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme) Job Overview
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking dedicated professionals for the position of Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing). This role sits within the Office of Railroad Safety, specifically the Grade Crossing and Trespass Outreach Division. Inspectors are responsible for auditing safety compliance, investigating incidents, and collaborating with local stakeholders to prevent accidents at highway-rail grade crossings. This is a high-impact position that directly supports national infrastructure security and public safety.
Requirements for Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme)
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.
- Subject to a background investigation and periodic security check.
- Must be willing to travel and utilize a government-issued travel card.
- Prohibited from holding individual railroad stock, including shares in companies like Berkshire Hathaway.
- Must pass mandatory drug testing.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme)
- Demonstrated experience auditing grade crossing inspection activities and federal regulatory compliance.
- Expertise in investigating railroad accidents and trespassing incidents.
- Proficiency in developing and delivering safety outreach programs like Operation Lifesaver.
- Strong technical skills in interpreting 49 CFR Part 222 and 234 regulations.
- Proven ability to produce clear, actionable inspection and investigation reports for federal and state stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Stable career growth within the Department of Transportation.
- ✓Flexible work-life balance opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Railroad Safety Inspector (Grade Crossing) - Direct Hire (Sme) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Complete the online application, including all required questionnaire responses.
- Submit all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50, performance appraisals) before the cutoff date.
- Monitor your status through the online applicant dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the start and end dates for every position, as well as the average hours worked per week.
- If claiming federal experience, explicitly include your job series and grade level on your resume.
- Double-check that all documents are fully uploaded and attached to your application before final submission.
- Focus your resume content on your specialized experience in railroad safety and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Grade Crossing Inspector?
Inspectors focus on compliance with federal safety regulations at highway-rail grade crossings, investigate accidents, and manage outreach programs to reduce trespasser incidents.
Can I hold railroad stocks if I am hired?
No. FRA employees are strictly prohibited from holding individual railroad stocks or shares in companies like Berkshire Hathaway due to potential conflicts of interest.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this position involves travel, and employees are issued a government contractor-issued travel card for official business.
Job from Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration is a key branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its mission is to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods on the nation's railroads. As the agency modernizes aging infrastructure and scales transformative safety technologies, it remains committed to a high-performing workforce that values accountability and excellence.