Track Inspector

Under the direction of the Maintenance of Way Supervisor, this position performs maintenance activities within the railroad right-of-way enabling safe and efficient movement of trains along the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

Safely and efficiently perform duties relating to inspection, maintenance, repair and improvement of the track structure and other railroad property/facilities. Operate and maintain equipment. Transport crew and equipment to/from jobsite. A Track Inspector requires an understanding of CFR 213 maintenance procedures and practices, maintenance theory, the materials, parts, tools, test equipment and operating systems associated with track and track components. Track construction background is also required to provide quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) oversight and project acceptance for all 3rd party work. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

This position reports to the Maintenance of Way Supervisor and has no direct supervisory responsibility; however, will provide task assignments and directions to Track Maintainers and Equipment Operators. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of the maintenance of way team.

Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD.

The railroad operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position may be subject to shift changes and overtime. They must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Work may include exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections, including high rail inspections; troubleshoots and tests track and track components in accordance with regulations, including track, switch, joint switch, and crossings using precision measuring equipment such as track levels, track gauges and other related measuring devices.
• Enter inspection data into NCTD computer software system(s) such as Raildocs.
• Complete annual curve date reports, includes string lining.
• Observe the condition of the railroad tracks, track beds and right-of-way for problems or defects. Through visual inspections identify broken rails, defective switches, and signals, deteriorating track bed, track obstructions and weather-related problems; check switch points; observe right-of-way and passing trains for shifted loads and spillage.
• Perform lubrication, required adjustments, scheduled maintenance on assigned track sections in accordance with track standards class 5, layout, diagrams, schematics, operation manuals and manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
• Attend on-the-job and formal training classes, assists individuals in higher classifications in their assignments or provides job specific training to lower classifications.
• Responds to and provides assistance in emergencies which require inspection of/or repair to track involved in incidents, accidents, or derailments.
• May operate vehicles between work locations.
• Perform railroad track maintenance, repair, and installation.
• Handle, unload and move track materials and equipment from rail cars, carts, or trucks.
• Maintain track beds by cutting vegetation and brush when needed, and sweeping, picking, and digging dust from movable track parts.
• Inspect, clear, and maintain drainage facilities.
• Perform various tasks in the maintenance of NCTD Right of Way including, but not limited to, fence repair, graffiti removal, trash pickup, and debris removal.
• Perform maintenance and repair to NCTD's bridge structures including, but not limited to, rail, ties, ballast deck, open deck, retaining walls, walkways, approaches.
• Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; unload or assist in unloading ballast from ballast cars.
• Must be willing and able to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives cranes, off track equipment and on on-track equipment.
• Understand and follow NCTD and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
• Wear prescribed safety apparel and personal protective equipment.
• Complete written forms and reports as required.
• Perform flagging duties as may be required.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and maintenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 4 years Railroad Maintenance of Way work experience.
• Satisfactory completion of an NCTD approved training program in track inspection and maintenance.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s), and provide task assignments and directions to work crews.
• Proficient knowledge of and have performed satisfactorily the duties of a track foreman, track supervisor, Track Inspector or related field for a period of not less than two (2) years.
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Preferred CFR 49 213 Part A - F qualification.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

• Possess and maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36 month period and no DUI's in the prior 7 year period.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
• Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

General Requirements

• Be qualified on territory and pass physical characteristics examinations.
• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.
• Ability to complete written forms and reports.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems on equipment.
• Good oral and written communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Successfully complete, maintain and pass any required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.
• Must be CFR 213 qualified.
• Must be computer literate in Microsoft office.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must:

• Be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.
• Physically travel between District locations and other destinations.
• Work evenings when required.
• Work in hazardous conditions and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.
• May be subject to fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals.
• Must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
• Walk extensively on uneven surfaces.
• Continuous bending, stooping, and kneeling are required for this position.
• Able to lift/carry and push/pull equipment and other objects weighing 25 lbs. (frequently), 50 lbs. (occasionally), and 100 lbs. (infrequently).

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate equipment such as tampers, regulators, torches, hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to use two-way radios.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. The hourly rate of pay for this position is $40.94 per the Carpenters' Union Agreement. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.