Blue Signal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

• Knowledge of the railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment; AND
• Knowledge of the general safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry; AND
• Knowledge of railroad accident investigation techniques; AND
• Skill in written and oral communication.

In addition, you must posess experience in Operating Practices:

• Knowledge of railroad operating practices, rules, and procedures, especially as they relate to safety issues; AND
• Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and requirements in such areas as hours of service, accident reporting, blue signal protection of workers, rear end markers, radio communication, railroad employee qualifications, and railroad employee testing.

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:

• Experience applying regulations and orders covering employee qualifications, hours of service, occupational safety and health, radio rules, operating rules and practices, alcohol and drug program administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance.
• Experience investigating railroad accidents, collecting evidence at accident sites, and interviewing witnesses to determine probable cause. 
• Experience examining carrier records (accident/injury files, hours-of-service, dispatching logs) to identify non-compliance and reporting discrepancies.

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:

1. Operating Practices Knowledge - Examine carrier operating rules and employee qualification guidelines; observe employees for compliance with rules related to the movement of trains; and assist with blue signal protection inspections; Administer the Federal alcohol and drug control program (Part 219), hours of service (Part 228), and engineer/conductor certification standards (Parts 240/242).
2. Analytical Skills - Synthesize data from locomotive event recorders and dispatching software to verify speed compliance and signal indications. Evaluate the relationship between fatigue, training, and operational stress on railroad employee performance.
3. Investigations Technique - Investigate accidents by visiting sites and determining probable cause (human factors, equipment, etc.); interview employees and witnesses; and investigate complaints from the public regarding unsafe practices.
4. Communication & Technical Writing - Document complex rule violations to withstand legal scrutiny during civil penalty proceedings. Write narrative reports describing accidents and recommending preventive measures. Provide evidence to assist in prosecution and appear in federal court as a witness for the government.

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.