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Railroad Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Amsted Rail

CUP CONE INSPECTOR

Petersburg, VA

$19/hr

Amsted Rail Petersburg is a global leader in tapered roller bearings and precision sealing ... The Grinding Inspector may be assigned to assist in other manner in support of our Grinding ...

Sperry Rail, Inc.

CDL Driver (CSX)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21.60/hr

The CDL Driver operates specialized rail inspection vehicles, supports testing operations, and ensures compliance with all DOT and safety regulations. The location shown in this posting is used for ...

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Railroad Inspector information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$54.5K

$98.2K

How much do railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad inspector in Virginia is $54,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad inspector do?

A Railroad Inspector is responsible for examining railroad equipment, tracks, and operations to ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations. They inspect locomotives, railcars, signals, and infrastructure, looking for defects or safety hazards. Railroad Inspectors also investigate accidents, enforce safety standards, and may issue citations or recommend corrective actions. Their work helps ensure the safety and reliability of rail transportation for both freight and passengers.

How to become a railroad inspector?

To become a railroad inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations or maintenance. Many employers prefer candidates who have relevant technical skills, knowledge of safety regulations, and may require certification or training in railroad safety standards. Some positions also require passing a background check and physical fitness assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Inspector, you need a comprehensive understanding of railroad operations, safety regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by technical training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, track geometry measurement systems, and reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of rail systems, which are critical for public safety and efficient transportation.

What are common challenges faced by railroad inspectors during field inspections?

Railroad Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating remote or hazardous locations, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Inspections can require close attention to detail to identify wear, defects, or regulatory non-compliance in rail infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, balancing thoroughness with efficiency and collaborating with train crews or maintenance staff to address issues promptly are important aspects of the role. These challenges are essential for ensuring the overall safety and reliability of rail operations.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Inspector jobs in Virginia?

For Railroad Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Inspector jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

Railroad Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,468 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

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 administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

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. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.

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.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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