Lead the Future of Rail Safety: Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat)
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is a cornerstone of the U.S. Department of Transportation, dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards for the nation's rail network. We are currently searching for an experienced, mission-driven professional to join our ranks as a Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist focusing on hazardous materials. This high-level position offers the chance to lead field operations, influence safety policies, and protect American communities.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy Staff Director for the Hazardous Materials Division, you will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Operational Leadership: Planning, developing, and directing programs for field employees to ensure adherence to safety policies.
- Technical Advisement: Serving as a key advisor to the Staff Director on administrative and safety-related programs.
- Strategic Management: Managing subordinate field elements to ensure a unified understanding of hazardous material regulations.
- External Relations: Presenting technical safety concepts and fostering cooperation across various industry stakeholders.
Requirements
This position requires a high level of expertise and dedication. Key requirements include:
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of hazardous material shipping, containerization, and federal safety standards.
- Leadership Skills: A demonstrated history of building consensus and leading diverse workforces.
- Condition of Employment: You must undergo a background check and comply with all financial disclosure requirements, including the divestiture of railroad-related stocks.
Salary Overview
This position is classified as a GS-14, with a highly competitive salary range reflecting the responsibility and expertise required for the role.
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $127,829 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $187,093 |
| Pay Frequency | Annually |
Benefits
Employees of the Federal government enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and insurance options.
- Financial Security: Excellent retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual and potential for telework.
Application Tips
To stand out during the assessment process, ensure your resume is strictly two pages long and highlights your direct experience with hazardous material regulations. Avoid generic phrasing—be specific about your accomplishments, the scope of your previous leadership, and the tangible safety outcomes you achieved. Always double-check your application packet before submission.
If you are a leader with a passion for industrial safety and public service, this role at the FRA provides a unique platform to make a national impact. Apply through USAJobs to begin your journey toward a meaningful career in federal transportation safety.
Why This Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat) Job Matters
Take the lead in national railway safety by joining the Federal Railroad Administration as a Deputy Staff Director for Hazardous Materials.
Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat) Job Overview
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as a Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist. In this role, you will act as the Deputy Staff Director for the Office of Railroad Safety’s Hazardous Materials Division. You will be responsible for overseeing field operations, guiding specialized personnel, and ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous commodities across the nation's rail infrastructure.
Requirements for Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal government.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period and a one-year supervisory probationary period.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a state-issued driver's license.
- Must register with the Selective Service if applicable.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.
- Prohibited from holding railroad stock, including shares of Berkshire Hathaway.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat)
- Proven track record of managing programs related to hazardous materials transport.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders to improve safety compliance.
- Experience in leading and motivating diverse field-based teams.
- Technical proficiency in hazardous material reaction identification and containment procedures.
- Advanced ability to develop and deliver technical safety briefings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat) Job
- Register for an account at USAJobs.gov.
- Prepare a concise resume, strictly limited to two pages, detailing your specific duties, hours worked, and federal grade levels if applicable.
- Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Ensure all supporting documents, including SF-50s or veterans' documentation, are uploaded and verified within the system.
- Monitor your status via the USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; additional pages will not be reviewed.
- Use your resume to explicitly map your experience to the specialized skills listed in the job description.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are attached to the specific application, not just stored in your profile.
- Include specific dates of employment and clarify your role as full-time or part-time.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
You will serve as the Deputy Staff Director for the Hazardous Materials Division, planning and directing field operations to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous goods via rail.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the role requires official travel, and you will be issued a government travel card for business expenses.
Are there financial restrictions associated with this job?
Yes, as an FRA employee, you are prohibited from holding railroad stock, including shares in companies like Berkshire Hathaway.
What is the probation period?
There is a one-year probationary period and a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Is this a remote position?
This position is not remote, though it is telework-eligible.
Job from Federal Railroad Administration
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all transportation systems. As one of the "Best Places to Work in the Federal Government," the DOT values innovation, urgency, and accountability. By joining the FRA, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work directly impacts the efficiency and security of American logistics and infrastructure.