Railroad Bridge & Track Inspector

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

37d

About The Position

The Railroad Track Inspector ensures the safety and compliance of company railroad tracks in accordance with federal regulations, specifically FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213). This role involves conducting thorough inspections, identifying defects, and recommending corrective actions to maintain track integrity and reliability. This position may be filled at Level 4, 5, or 6, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in railroad operations or engineering preferred.
Minimum 2 years in railroad track or bridge inspection/maintenance.
Knowledge of track structure, geometry, train dynamics, wheel-rail interface, and related FRA standards (49 CFR Parts 213 & 237).
Skilled in inspection tools and measurement techniques; strong attention to detail for accurate reporting.
Familiarity with right-of-way management and drainage practices.
Experience managing contractors and coordinating maintenance activities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or related engineering field is a plus; equivalent work experience considered.
Hands-on bridge inspection experience preferred.
Experience operating manlifts and/or snooper trucks for bridge inspection.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective communication and technical writing skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough on-foot inspections of railroad tracks per FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213).
Perform scheduled inspections (twice-weekly, weekly, monthly, semi-annual) to identify defects and wear on rails, ties, ballast, and turnouts.
Prepare detailed inspection reports with findings and recommended corrective actions.
Investigate derailments or rail incidents 24/7 to perform root cause analysis and assess damage.
Assist bridge inspector with routine inspections and evaluations of railroad structures per FRA Bridge Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 237).
Use inspection data to develop scopes of work and manage contractors performing track maintenance.
Collaborate with plant management and maintenance teams to prioritize repairs and develop short- and long-term maintenance plans aligned with safety and budget goals.
Ensure all inspection activities follow company safety policies and federal regulations; stay current on regulatory changes and best practices.
Review and approve contractor invoices; coordinate with fuels, engineering, and maintenance teams for timely repairs.