USAJOBS - Job Announcement Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
MENU
Sign in
My jobs
Profile
Resumes & documents
Notifications
Talent networks
Sign out
My jobs
Profile
Resumes & documents
Notifications
Talent networks
Sign out
Events
Help Center
Search
Back to results
Apply
Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices) - DIRECT HIRE (SME)
Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration
Apply
Share
Save
Summary
The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee qualification guidelines and carrier employee training programs to determine compliance with existing Federal regulations and standards and investigates railroad accidents using established FRA policies, guides, manuals to determine probable cause.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee qualification guidelines and carrier employee training programs to determine compliance with existing Federal regulations and standards and investigates railroad accidents using established FRA policies, guides, manuals to determine probable cause.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 08/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 12, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Gila County, AZ
Maricopa County, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Pinal County, AZ
Windham County, CT
Barnstable County, MA
Bristol County, MA
Dukes County, MA
Essex County, MA
Middlesex County, MA
Nantucket County, MA
Norfolk County, MA
Plymouth County, MA
Suffolk County, MA
Worcester County, MA
Androscoggin County, ME
Cumberland County, ME
Sagadahoc County, ME
York County, ME
Belknap County, NH
Carroll County, NH
Cheshire County, NH
Grafton County, NH
Hillsborough County, NH
Merrimack County, NH
Rockingham County, NH
Strafford County, NH
Sullivan County, NH
Bristol County, RI
Kent County, RI
Newport County, RI
Providence County, RI
Washington County, RI
Davis County, UT
Morgan County, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County, UT
Summit County, UT
Weber County, UT
Orange County, VT
Windsor County, VT
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $89,508 - $131,790 per year
Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Promotion potential 12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time - Full Time Travel Required 76% or greater - Some travel will be required.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes - This is a Bargaining unit position represented by AFGE 2814.
Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number FRA.OP-2026-0002 Control number 871955200
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The Rule of Many, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
Duties
Help
As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices), you will:
The ideal candidate is a mid-level professional to serve as a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices). In this role, you will be the "boots on the ground" ensuring that railroads operate safely and in compliance with Federal laws. You will be responsible for a designated territory, conducting inspections, investigating accidents, and ensuring that railroad personnel are qualified, rested, and drug-free.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
This is an open continuous announcement for 90 days with 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 interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
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.
CONTINUED IN "OTHER INFORMATION" SECTION
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the Basic requirements AND the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: You must indicate experience that demonstrates:
In addition, you must posess experience in Operating Practices:
To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Operating Practices), the Qualifications Standard state you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
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:
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:
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: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicants criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation
CONTINUED FROM "REQUIREMENTS" SECTION
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application. These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages.
Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level. The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the standards for this vacancy and provide all of the following documents:
Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.
For more information, please review the OPM Employees Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
Agency contact information
Automated Staffing Office
Phone 000-000-0000 Fax 000-000-0000 Email TRANSJOBS@dot.gov Address DOT, FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist may evaluate your application. If evaluated, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application. These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages.
Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level. The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the standards for this vacancy and provide all of the following documents:
Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.
For more information, please review the OPM Employees Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Automated Staffing Office
Phone 000-000-0000 Fax 000-000-0000 Email TRANSJOBS@dot.gov Address DOT, FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications". Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist may evaluate your application. If evaluated, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Additional locations
Windham County, CT
Barnstable County, MA
Bristol County, MA
Dukes County, MA
Essex County, MA
Middlesex County, MA
Nantucket County, MA
Norfolk County, MA
Plymouth County, MA
Suffolk County, MA
Worcester County, MA
Androscoggin County, ME
Cumberland County, ME
Sagadahoc County, ME
York County, ME
Belknap County, NH
Carroll County, NH
Cheshire County, NH
Grafton County, NH
Hillsborough County, NH
Merrimack County, NH
Rockingham County, NH
Strafford County, NH
Sullivan County, NH
Bristol County, RI
Kent County, RI
Newport County, RI
Providence County, RI
Washington County, RI
Davis County, UT
Morgan County, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County, UT
Summit County, UT
Weber County, UT
Orange County, VT
Windsor County, VT
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration's mission is to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations; consolidates government support of rail transportation activities; administers financial assistance programs; conducts research and development in support of improved railroad safety and efficiency, and national transportation policy, including improved intercity passenger service.
The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.
Agency contact information
Automated Staffing Office
Phone 000-000-0000 Fax 000-000-0000 Email TRANSJOBS@dot.gov Address DOT, FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Summary
The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee qualification guidelines and carrier employee training programs to determine compliance with existing Federal regulations and standards and investigates railroad accidents using established FRA policies, guides, manuals to determine probable cause.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 08/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 12, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Gila County, AZ
Maricopa County, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Pinal County, AZ
Windham County, CT
Barnstable County, MA
Bristol County, MA
Dukes County, MA
Essex County, MA
Middlesex County, MA
Nantucket County, MA
Norfolk County, MA
Plymouth County, MA
Suffolk County, MA
Worcester County, MA
Androscoggin County, ME
Cumberland County, ME
Sagadahoc County, ME
York County, ME
Belknap County, NH
Carroll County, NH
Cheshire County, NH
Grafton County, NH
Hillsborough County, NH
Merrimack County, NH
Rockingham County, NH
Strafford County, NH
Sullivan County, NH
Bristol County, RI
Kent County, RI
Newport County, RI
Providence County, RI
Washington County, RI
Davis County, UT
Morgan County, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County, UT
Summit County, UT
Weber County, UT
Orange County, VT
Windsor County, VT
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $89,508 - $131,790 per year
Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Promotion potential 12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time - Full Time Travel Required 76% or greater - Some travel will be required.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes - This is a Bargaining unit position represented by AFGE 2814.
Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number FRA.OP-2026-0002 Control number 871955200
Previous result
Next result
Your session is about to expire!
Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.
Sign out Stay signed in
Return to top
USAJOBS is a Opens in a new windowUnited States Office of Personnel Management website.
(Opens in a new window) OPM on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window) OPM YouTube channel (Opens in a new window) OPM on X
Opens in a new windowVote.gov