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Federal Railroad Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Railroad information

What railroad job pays the most?

In the railroad industry, locomotive engineers and train conductors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes with experience. Management roles such as railroad executives or safety directors also typically offer higher compensation, but these are less common entry-level positions. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and company size.

What is the difference between Federal Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectFederal RailroadRailroad Conductor
Required CredentialsFederal certifications, safety training, and compliance knowledgeRailroad-specific certifications, safety procedures, and operational training
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, oversight roles, and compliance inspectionsOnboard trains, station operations, and customer service
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, regulatory bodies, and oversight organizationsRailroad companies, train operators, and transportation services

Federal Railroad professionals focus on regulatory compliance, safety standards, and oversight within the railroad industry, often working for government agencies. Railroad Conductors are frontline personnel responsible for train operations, safety, and customer service on the ground. While both roles are essential to rail transportation, they differ mainly in their responsibilities, work environment, and employer types.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker can be competitive and often requires meeting specific qualifications such as a valid driver's license, physical fitness, and sometimes a background check. Experience with safety procedures, technical skills, or certifications like OSHA training can improve chances, but the hiring process varies by company and position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration Inspector, you need a solid background in railroad operations, safety regulations, and engineering principles, often supported by relevant technical or engineering degrees. Familiarity with inspection tools, compliance databases, and federal safety standards is crucial, along with any FRA-specific certifications. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help inspectors identify risks and collaborate with railroad personnel. These competencies are vital to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the seamless operation of the nation's rail infrastructure.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by employees working in federal railroad positions?

Employees in federal railroad roles often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with complex safety regulations, adapting to evolving technologies, and coordinating effectively with various stakeholders, including private rail companies and government agencies. The work environment can be fast-paced and sometimes requires travel or irregular hours, especially during inspections or investigations. Strong communication skills and adaptability are essential, as collaboration across departments and with external partners is a routine part of the job.

What are Federal Railroad jobs?

Federal Railroad jobs are positions within the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a government agency that oversees the safety, regulation, and development of the U.S. railroad system. These roles can include safety inspectors, engineers, policy analysts, and administrative staff, all working to ensure efficient and safe railway operations nationwide. Employees may be involved in enforcing safety standards, conducting inspections and investigations, developing transportation policies, or supporting rail infrastructure projects. Working for the FRA offers an opportunity to impact transportation safety and infrastructure on a national scale.

What skills are needed for FRA jobs?

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) jobs typically require strong knowledge of railroad safety regulations, technical skills related to transportation and engineering, and the ability to analyze safety data. Good communication, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with industry tools and standards are also important for many positions.

Is the railroad a federal job?

A federal railroad job typically refers to employment with the federal government related to rail transportation, such as the Federal Railroad Administration or other agencies. These positions often require security clearances, specialized training, and adherence to federal regulations. Not all railroad jobs are federal; many are with private companies or state agencies.
What job categories do people searching Federal Railroad jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Railroad jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Federal Railroad jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Federal Railroad job openings:
Federal Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Railroad job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Transportation Industry Analyst

Federal Railroad Administration

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Summary
This position serves as a Transportation Industry Analyst in the Office of Railroad Development (RRD). This position will serve as Project Manager to oversee the significant FRA investments at Washington Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Transportation Industry Analyst, you will:
  • Assess the performance of passenger rail, Amtrak and freight rail service, including important, extensive, novel, and controversial issues.
  • Promote the stewardship of passenger and freight rail assets that are critical to Amtrak and other rail operations through the management of the Department's, including FRA, various financial assistance programs, and participation in planning activities for rail infrastructure improvement.
  • Develop, analyze, and prepare internal and external communications regarding rail policy, and legislative and budget proposals which may be vague, complex or uncommon.
  • Provide technical assistance and support to high level officials at the federal, state, and local level, railroads, and other stakeholders in advancing high-performance passenger and freight rail policy objectives and plans.

The ideal candidate for this position is a highly motivated mid-level transportation professional who can function independently and demonstrate leadership in team environments with a history of involvement in major project development and delivery. Candidates must have the skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences; organizational and management skills; and the ability to handle multiple competing priorities, issues, and projects simultaneously. Applicants must have strong analytical and communication skills with experience preparing briefing materials and with the ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and develop recommendations to present to a variety of audiences and knowledge in the areas of transportation, policy, operations, and stakeholder negotiations. The candidate should also possess an in-depth understanding of project development, management, and delivery, including the roles of planning, environmental clearance, and grants management. The candidate should have experience managing high-level high-profile stakeholder relationships and require little to no training in complex transportation policies and programs.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
  • You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

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:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.
  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration
To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:
  • Experience fostering working relationships with contacts and staff members at all levels within/outside the organization.
  • Experience performing analytical, evaluative, advisory, technical or comparable work, developing policy positions relating to mulit-modal transportation AND articulating those policy positions before multilateral organizations, industry groups, and/or government officials as a regular and recurring part of your job with minimal supervision.
  • Experience conducting program/project oversight and management of transportation programs and using project management methods to assist with the coordination of team or contractor activities to ensure steady work flow, maximum production, compliance with deadlines, and/or overall efficiency of operations.
  • Experience providing technical guidance to support planning, design, and/or the construction of transportation systems, programs, or projects, such as operations analyses, engineering analyses, cost estimation, or financial analysis.

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. Customer Service- Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
  2. Technical Credibility- Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
  3. Oral Communication- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Written Communication- Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

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
RAILROAD STOCK: Pursuant to 5 C.F.R. Parts 2635.403 and 6001.104 , all FRA employees (or spouses or minor children of FRA employees) are specifically prohibited from holding railroad stock (including shares of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. which owns 100% of BNSF), whether held outright, in an IRA, or in a 401(k) or other plan. (Employees may hold a mutual fund which invests in railroad stocks, so long as the mutual fund does not invest more than 30% of its assets in such prohibited investments.) Employees having a prohibited finanical interest must divest themselves of railroad stock within 90 days after their appointment to their positions. Neither the rule against holidng railroad stock, nor the divestiture period, is in any way affected by the existence of re-employment rights which employees might have with railroad companies. Nor is there any monetary threshold for applicability of the rule against ownership of railroad stock; all dollar amounts are prohibited.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's 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
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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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
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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.
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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.

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