Safety Specialist, Railway

State of Nevada•Nevada, NV

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Safety Specialists promote recognized safety practices among businesses covered by State and federal safety and health laws and regulations. This position may be located in Carson City or Las Vegas depending on the applicants and needs of the agency. The incumbent will perform duties related to railroad motive power and equipment, or the operational conditions of equipment. Safety Specialists conduct railway inspections and investigations while enforcing state and federal safety regulations. Incumbents conduct investigations of reported incidents to obtain adequate information to formulate a recommendation to the Director of Regulatory Operations and assigned Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) incident investigations team leader; investigate alleged violations of the federal regulations and report any violations observed to the appropriate State inspector or the appropriate FRA specialist; and review and advise on changes in grade crossings.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent education and four years of professional experience in the assigned railway discipline, which will be identified at the time of recruitment; OR valid certification by the Federal Railroad Administration in an assigned railway discipline, which will be identified at the time of recruitment; OR one year of experience as a Safety Representative, Railway in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Working knowledge of: railroad rules, practices, record systems and terminology common to operating and maintenance functions; scope and major requirements of federal railroad safety laws and regulations; rail transportation functions; organization of railroad, shipping and manufacturing companies; standard industry rules for personal safety.
Ability to: associate relevant statutes or regulations with observed violations; perform independent investigations and inspections; compose narrative reports of investigative findings that are clear, complete and grammatically correct; investigate and resolve complaints.

Responsibilities

Make regular inspections of railway structures, equipment, facilities, and/or containers as assigned and review related procedures and documentation.
Investigate complaints regarding possible violations of federal or State regulations regarding railroad activities.
Interview persons with information about alleged violations.
Audit railroad company records and conduct surveillance operations to observe compliance with regulations.
Issue notices of defect or violation depending on severity of violation and safety implications.
Prepare reports on inspections and investigations.
Refer serious violations to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Review applications filed in regard to road crossings, bridge clearances, tunnels, walkways and/or new structures for safety and compliance with relevant laws.
Investigate facts surrounding the applications.
Coordinate with other agencies that share jurisdiction or interest in the application.
Provide testimony before governing body and in court to support the State’s case as requested.
Conduct initial investigations of railway accidents, as requested, and prepare reports encompassing facts pertaining to the case.
Ensure public safety at the accident scene until relieved by appropriate emergency response personnel.
Participate in public relations activities to educate the public regarding safety practices in relation to railroad operations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties outlined in the series concept for one of the following railway disciplines: Hazardous Materials, Motive Power and Equipment, Operating Practices or Track.
Incumbents may be required to give public presentations to promote knowledge of safety issues.
Identify, or train others to identify, safety and health hazards.