Freight Inspector Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Hiring Agency:

Public Service Commission - Agency 14

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$27.404

Job Posting:

JR2026-00026868 Motive Power & Equipment Inspector (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-21-2026

Job Description:

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is an agency of thoughtful professionals committed to advocating for the public we serve and the industries we regulate. The Commission seeks a Motive Power and Equipment Inspector that will work to ensure the safe movement of freight rail equipment across Nebraska. A qualified applicant will provide technical and professional expertise in all areas of statewide enforcement of federal railroad safety laws, rules, regulations, policies, and standards related to motive power and equipment. The selected applicant will plan, prepare, analyze, and coordinate investigations related to freight rail carrier safety.
The position requires strenuous physical activity, including substantial walking, climbing, lifting, and pulling requiring use of arms and back. Substantial travel, mostly within the state, required. Most work is done outside regardless of the weather.

In collaboration with the Transportation Director/Rail Safety Program Manager, the Motive Power and Equipment Inspector will:

• Assist the Transportation Director/Rail Safety Program Manager with the administration of the Nebraska Freight Rail Safety Program, as defined by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.
• Plan and conduct periodic safety inspections to ensure that rail cars and locomotives are in operational compliance with State and Federal safety standards. When necessary, issue defects which may result in monetary penalties in the following inspections: complaint investigations walkway, close clearance, accident and fatality investigations and any other assigned inspections.
• Inspect and observe required tests of railroad rolling stock, including motive power and other on track work equipment and related appurtenances to assure carrier compliance.
• Prior to and or during assembly and installation, inspect the component parts and tests and determine whether they are suitable for the intended service in which they are placed.
• Review the existing and proposed motive power and equipment designs, construction, operation, and maintenance to determine compliance with all applicable laws. Keep familiar with the new designs of equipment and keep up on all the changes in Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
• Conduct investigations of collisions, reportable derailments and other accidents that might have resulted in serious injury. Determine probable causes of accidents and if any State or Federal laws were violated and write reports of findings and conclusions.
• Conduct complaint investigations that allege unsafe conditions or non-compliance of motive power and equipment, safety appliances and power brake regulations.
• Participate in special studies and projects as assigned by the director and/or the Federal Railroad Administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: The MP&E inspector is required, at a minimum, to have one of the following:

• At least four years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad rolling equipment.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical specialization. Education may be substituted for two of the four years of this experience requirement and successful completion of the apprentice training program

An applicant with less experience may be considered if they are accepted into the FRA certification training program. Permanent employment will require successful completion of the FRA certification training program.

Other: Must possess a valid Nebraska Driver's License.

Hiring Rate: $57,000 - $65,000 per year, salary is negotiable commensurate with qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Construction, testing, inspecting and repair of railroad freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air brakes.
• Rail transportation functions, the organization of railroad, shipper, and manufacturer companies, and standard industry rules for personal safety.
• Railroad operating procedures associated with the operation of freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives and air brakes sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations and combinations of deviations.
• Proper remedial action to be taken in order to bring defective freight cars, passenger cars, locomotives, and air brakes into compliance with applicable Federal standards.

Skills in:

• Effective oral and written communication.
• Research methods/techniques; conducting independent research.
• Communicating/presenting information to individuals and groups.
• Listening to/understanding/explaining complex information; strong analytical/problem solving skills.
• Comprehending information conveyed in a document or report.

Ability to:

• Understand and detect deviation from railroad equipment maintenance standards accepted in the industry and ensure compliance with Freight Car Safety Standards, Safety Glazing Standards, Locomotive Safety Standards, Safety Appliance Standards, and Power Brake Standards and related regulations, requirements, and standards.
• Read and comprehend written materials such as training and enforcement manuals, regulations, operating and safety rules of the railroad, and similar materials.
• Compose narrative reports of investigative findings that are clear, complete, and grammatically acceptable.
• Record data on standard report forms with a high degree of accuracy.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
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Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.