Temporary Light Rail Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions are shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker International helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state departments of transportation (DOTs) address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective rail and transit solutions that support the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects nationwide.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking an experienced Senior Rail Inspector in Alexandria, VA to support our local rail and transit infrastructure projects. In this role, you will provide on-site inspection, quality oversight, and safety monitoring to ensure that rail construction activities comply with approved plans, specifications, railroad standards, and regulatory requirements. In addition, you will serve as a key field representative and liaison among contractors, railroad and transit agencies, flagging services, and the project delivery team. In addition to overseeing daily construction activities, you may need to provide technical guidance and day-to-day support to junior inspectors on occasion while helping ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contract requirements. This is a great opportunity for a seasoned rail inspection professional with deep knowledge of rail construction methods, safety practices, and railroad standards, who thrives in a fast-paced, field-oriented environment!
What You'll Do

• Perform and oversee daily field inspections of rail construction activities, including trackwork, civil grading, drainage, structural interfaces, and related railroad infrastructure
• Verify construction work complies with contract documents, approved plans, project specifications, and railroad/transit standards (including FRA, AREMA, and agency requirements)
• Monitor contractor compliance with safety requirements, railroad operating rules, and approved work plans
• Prepare, review, and approve detailed daily inspection reports, field notes, progress photographs, and supporting documentation
• Observe and document material deliveries, testing procedures, and installation methods
• Coordinate field activities with contractors, railroad personnel, flagging services, testing agencies, utilities, and third-party inspectors
• Identify non-conforming work, document deficiencies, and communicate corrective actions to the Resident Engineer or Construction Manager
• Track quantities, verify pay items, and assist with progress measurements and quantity documentation
• Participate in project meetings, safety briefings, coordination meetings, and client updates
• Support project closeout activities, including punch lists, final inspections, and documentation
• Provide technical guidance, oversight, and mentorship to inspectors and support inspection team coordination, as needed

What You Need to Succeed

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• 10+ years of construction inspection experience supporting freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit projects
• Demonstrated expertise in rail construction methods, field inspection practices, and quality control procedures
• Strong working knowledge of FRA, AREMA, and railroad or transit agency standards
• Proven experience interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Ability to work independently and lead or support inspection teams in active rail environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with contractors, inspectors, railroad representatives, and project leadership
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance
• Additional technical training or rail-related certifications are a plus!

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $41.21 - $55.60 per hour. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.