Grade Crossing Safety Inspector/ Investigator

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is the designated state safety oversight agency for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) specific to rail transit safety, additionally the DPU is the state regulator for statewide Grade Crossing Safety.  The Department's Rail Safety Division oversees the design and construction of Grade Crossing Safety improvements along with inspections of Grade Crossings to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to fill the position of Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Inspector/Investigator. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive safety inspections, risk assessments, and investigations related to railroad Grade Crossings throughout the state. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing safety measures, minimizing risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

Individual in this position will conduct accident/incident investigation. Individual in this position will perform routine rail safety inspections at designated locations across the state and will support the additional functions on the Rail Safety Team. 

 DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety Inspections:

1.       Conduct thorough inspections of railroad Grade Crossings across the state to assess safety compliance.

2.       Evaluate the condition of crossing signals, lights, gates, and other safety equipment.

3.       Identify potential hazards and risks associated with Grade Crossings.

Risk Assessments:

4.       Analyze data and perform risk assessments to prioritize and address high-risk Grade Crossings.

5.       Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

6.       Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technologies to enhance safety measures.

Plan and Design Review:

7.       Review Grade Crossing construction and design plans to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

8.       Provide recommendations for improvements or modifications to enhance safety and efficiency.

9.       Collaborate with engineering teams to address design-related safety concerns.

10.   Review railroad design and bridge clearances to ensure compliance prior to approval of construction.

Accident Investigations:

11.   Investigate Grade Crossing accidents to determine causes and contributing factors.

12.   Work closely with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other relevant parties to gather information.

13.   Prepare detailed reports on investigation findings and recommend corrective actions.

14.   Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather relevant information and evidence during investigations.

Regulatory Compliance:

15.   Stay abreast of federal and state regulations pertaining to railroad Grade Crossings.

16.   Ensure that Grade Crossings comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.

17.   Collaborate with regulatory agencies to address compliance issues.

18.   Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the investigative team.

19.   Conduct regular training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of team members.

20.   Assist in reporting safety critical data to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

21.   Research and review industry safety oversight agency best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, and implementation strategies.

22.   Assist in the development of specialized reports and assessments for internal and external purposes.

23.   Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills, abilities)

1)      Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence

2)      Ability to accurately record information provided orally.

3)      Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.

4)      Ability to maintain accurate records.

5)      Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.

6)      Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

7)      Ability to prepare general reports.

8)      Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

9)      Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations policies, procedures, specification, standards and guidelines governing rail transit systems activities.

10)  Ability to exercise sound judgment.

11)  Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds

12)  Ability to deal tactfully with others.

13)  Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

14)  Ability to motivate others.

15)  Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

16)  Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.

17)  Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

18)  Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.

19)  Ability to adapt to varied work situations.

20)  Ability to work independently.

21)  Ability to be "on call" 24/7 for job related duties.

22)  Ability to provide own means of transportation unless otherwise provided by the agency in order to conduct job duties.

23)   Research and review industry safety/security oversight agency best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, and implementation strategies

24)    Knowledge of compliance techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge, skills, abilities)

1)      Knowledge of investigative techniques.

2)      Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing rapid transit systems and system safety plans.

3)      Knowledge of Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.

4)      Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing system safety plans.

5)      Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms required for annual and triennial audit submissions.

6)      Knowledge of General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.

7)     Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations;

8)     Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; and

9)   Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:  Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least three years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  

Substitutions: 

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years d the required (A) experience.* 

II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience. 

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis on the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.  Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.  No substitution will be permitted for the required (C) experience. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.