Transportation Engineer 3 - Track Inspector

Salary: $74,724.00 - $98,040.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01583
Department: Utilities and Transportation Commission
Division: Rail Safety/Rail
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Respect. Professionalism. Integrity. Accountability.

Help protect the consumers of Washington state!
Transportation Engineer 3 (Track Inspector)

Salary Consideration: Range 64, Step A ($74,724) - Step L ($98,040) annually.

The starting employment offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications. Typically Step M of the pay range is a longevity step. This recruitment will be used to filled multiple vacancies.
This recruitment is open until March 24, 2025, at 11:59pm.

UTC reserves the right to render a hiring decision and/or choose to close or extend this recruitment at any given time.
The Opportunity:The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking to fill two (2) Transportation Engineer 3 (Track Inspector) positions within the Rail Safety - Field Operations Section of the Transportation Safety Division to independently plan, prepare, analyze, and coordinate investigations, and inspections relating to railroad track safety.
Hybrid:

Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within Washington state and must be available to report to the Lacey, Washington headquarters building as needed.
Travel:

The majority of this position's time will be spent traveling throughout Washington state, during and outside normal business hours including overnight stays. The successful incumbents additionally will have occasional travel throughout the United States to attend required training, conferences, and/or meetings.
Who We Are:
Our mission is to protect the people of Washington by ensuring that investor-owned utility and transportation services are safe, equitable, reliable, and fairly priced.
We protect consumers by regulating the rates, services, and practices of private or investor-owned utilities and transportation companies to ensure they are safe, equitable, reliable, and affordable.

The UTC is continually recognized for its excellence and integrity as a regulatory agency, as we challenge the status quo and ourselves to ensure equitable outcomes for our customers and the people of Washington State.

We recognize that our employees are the key to the agency's success. We are committed to our work but value balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth, and offers continuing learning opportunities, meaningful work, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits or working at UTC, please visit our website.
What We Offer Our Employees:

• UTC fosters an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, while striving to hire and retain a workforce from the communities we serve.
• We place importance on a healthy balance between personal and professional lives; offering flexible work schedules, wellness programs, and mobile/telework opportunities.
• Through the state, our employees (and their families) are offered options for medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance.
• We offer enrollment into the state retirement programs and a deferred compensation plan.
• Throughout a calendar year, employees receive a minimum of 14 days of vacation leave per year and 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday in addition to accruing sick leave.

Our Values:

• Respect - We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.
• Professionalism - We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.
• Integrity - We do the right things for the right reasons - trusting others to do the same.

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Competencies:

EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.

Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth.

Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.

Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.

Duties
The Position:

Reporting to the Transportation Manager, these positions provide overall technical and professional expertise in all areas of statewide enforcement of federal railroad safety laws, rules, regulations, policies, and standards, with specialization in the track discipline.
What you'll do:

Working independently, conduct track inspections and investigations as promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (USDOT-FRA). This work is achieved by inspecting track, track infrastructure, walkways, vegetation, records, railroad worker protection processes, and additionally completing other duties assigned by a UTC supervisor or FRA discipline specialist. The position will ensure the railroad properly documents track inspection and maintenance records, responds to, and corrects unsafe track conditions, and maintains railroad tracks to required safety standards.
In addition to federal inspection duties, the successful incumbents will independently conduct railroad safety inspections and investigations ensuring compliance with applicable UTC rules as defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Inspections are documented as required in inspection procedures by uploading photos, documents, and correspondence to the applicable Rail Safety database(s). The positions complete reports from the results of inspections and may present findings to supervisor or other staff. Incumbents notify railroad or other impacted parties of results of inspections and ensures correction of defective conditions as appropriate.
Additional duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

• Responds to and investigates derailments, and other accidents, especially those regarding unsafe or hazardous track conditions to determine if the railroad violated federal rules, regulations, policies, or safety standards.
• Provides technical assistance to railroads or other impacted parties at the time of, or in the context of, any type of inspection by ensuring understanding of current safety standards, rules, laws, regulations, and policies.
• Uses inspection or diagnostic equipment as required. Captures images as necessary and transfer files to the appropriate database(s) and to the appropriate parties. If non-compliance exists, investigates the situation to determine if violations merit an enforcement action such as penalties.
• Inspects railroad equipment and facilities and examines railroad programs, records, or operations.
• Attends training, workshops and other events designed to enhance knowledge of railroad equipment, facilities, infrastructure, programs, records, operations, and regulation of track safety.
• Recommends appropriate action by the commission to incorporate new information into its laws, rules, or regulatory practices.
• Provides technical assistance to commission by ensuring management understands, as appropriate, the most up-to-date track safety standards, rules, regulations, and policies. Use knowledge to explain and answer questions about track safety standards, rules, regulations, and policies to a variety of audiences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Four (4) years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad tracks.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by either the US Dept. of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent, in a related field or a related technical specialization and two (2) years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad tracks.
OR
Currently certified by the Federal Railroad Administration as a Track Inspector.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities in:

Construction, testing, inspecting and repair of railroad tracks.

Understanding and detection of deviations from track maintenance standards accepted in the industry and ensuring compliance with related regulations, requirements, and standards.

Examining records for compliance, conducting track inspections, and determining whether railroads are complying with maintenance and inspection rules and standards.

Familiarity of railroad operating procedures associated with track construction and maintenance sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations and combinations of deviations.

Specialized knowledge of proper remedial action to be taken to bring defective track conditions into compliance with applicable Federal standards.

Strong verbal and writing skills and able to communicate effectively with railroad officials and other stakeholders, including writing detailed railroad safety reports and investigation narratives.

Position Specific Competencies:

Inspection and investigation skills:

• Use critical observation skills to inspect and investigate equipment, facilities, programs, records, and operations of railroad companies.
• Analytical skills to identify factors affecting or contributing to issues of noncompliance, to recognize trends and forecast anticipated problems, hazards, and issues that have not yet surfaced, and to determine what safety improvements can be implemented.
• Document inspection and investigation results in a manner that others can comprehend and act upon their significance.
• Understand which safety improvements or corrective action measures to recommend for a given situation.

Research and analytical abilities:

• Obtain information regarding technical, regulatory and policy development related to railroad safety.
• Organize information when presenting it to others in an effective manner.
• Analyze information and present sound, reasoned evaluations, and recommendations.

Communications skills:

• Present inspections, investigations, conclusions, and recommendations in writing in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
• Use of proper document structure, punctuation, grammar, and plain talk skills in writing assignments.
• Verbal communications skills to work effectively with railroads, FRA, commission staff, management, and other interested parties.

Personal safety skills:

• Understand agency requirements for personal safety in and around railroad equipment and facilities.
• Use protective clothing and equipment as required by the agency.

Software and data management skills:

• Computer software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, to collect information and compose reports.
• Specialized software to record inspection data and results.
• Databases and general computer systems, such as the internet, to research and retrieve data and information.
• Digital image technology to capture images of the equipment and transfer those images to the appropriate database(s) and to the appropriate parties.

Demonstration of:

EDI Competencies (expected of all employees):

EDI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment.

Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth.

Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships.

Inclusive Excellence & Allyship.

UTC Values (expected of all employees):

Respect: We treat every person and interaction with consideration and goodwill.

Professionalism: We are committed to excellence in our work and conduct.

Integrity: We do the right things for the right reasons- trusting others to do the same.

UTC Core Competencies (expected of all employees):

Accountability - With courage, we hold ourselves and each other accountable for exhibiting respect, professionalism, and integrity.

DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment - Ability to be exposed to, know, and understand the language and concepts of DEI and be committed to being part of creating, maintaining, and improving a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Self-Awareness and Commitment to Growth - Engages in self-reflection, lifelong learning, and growth.

Cultivating Mutually Beneficial and Trusting Strategic Partnerships - Conducts themselves in a manner that builds trust, enhances work relationships, and meaningfully partner and engage with those they serve and serve with.

Inclusive Excellence & Allyship - Ability to demonstrate that all people are valued and engaged as members of the group, team, organization, or community through equitable, inclusive, and respectful behavior.

Measuring Success and Improvement - Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and continually improve strategies that promote equity and inclusion in their organization and with the communities they serve.

Customer Focus - Responsive to both internal and external customers. Works with customers to identify needs; assumes responsibility for own role in meeting those needs. Ensures commitments to customers are met. Receptive to customer feedback.

Results Focus - Accepts personal accountability for individual results or share of team results. Manages workload and interpersonal relationships to achieve results: prioritizes tasks appropriately, overcomes obstacles, works with others as necessary, and meets deadlines and quality standards.

Communication Skills - Demonstrates communication skills (reading comprehension, writing, listening, speaking) appropriate to the position. Shows respect and courtesy in interpersonal communications.

Adaptability/Flexibility - Open to new ideas. Responds constructively to changing and stressful situations. In consultation with supervisor, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.

Self-Development - Demonstrates proactive learning. Keeps knowledge and skills up to date. Solicits and accepts constructive feedback. Seeks developmental assignments to improve skills. Turns challenges into learning opportunities.

Continuous Process Improvement - Utilizes Lean tools and principles to continuously identify improvements, solve problems, and improve work processes. Participates on process improvement projects/teams. Actively engages in section/division huddles and incorporates visual management into daily work.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two years of experience performing railroad safety investigations, audits, or inspections.
• An advanced degree from an accredited institution recognized by either the US Dept. of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent, in a related technical specialization.

Supplemental Information
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• This position is overtime eligible per the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Within one (1) year of employment must be certified by the Federal Railroad Administration as a track inspector. This includes attending and passing all required training and courses and demonstrating inspection proficiency to the FRA Track Specialist.
• Ensure the accuracy, spelling, and grammar of your application and any requested attachments before submitting.

How to Apply:
If you're interested in joining our Team, please read the instructions below carefully; click "Apply" at the top of the page to begin the process.

Your application will only be considered complete if the following attachments are submitted in addition. Please note, see resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

Letter of Interest describing how you meet the position qualifications and why you believe you are the ideal candidate.

Resume detailing your applicable experience and education.

References: At least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers and email addresses; one (1) contact MUST be your current or most recent supervisor.

The initial screening of candidates will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application, including answers provided to the Supplemental Questionnaire, along with the required attachments - letter of interest, resume, and references submitted as part of the application process.
All information may be verified, and documentation may be required for verification. Candidates may be disqualified if the education and/or work experience does not include information used to meet the minimum qualifications of the job.

The UTC is an equal opportunity employer. We want to make sure you have an equal opportunity to join our team. Our commitment is making sure current and future employees are treated fairly and equally without regard to age, sex (including gender identity), race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or religious or political affiliation.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact humanresources@utc.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
For more information about the UTC, please visit:

www.utc.wa.gov, www.twitter.com/wautc and www.facebook.com/wautc

The State of Washington:
http://access.wa.gov
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Have you attached the required materials for consideration, which includes your letter of interest, resume, and three (3) professional references to your application, one (1) of which being from your current or most recent supervisor?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following statements best represents your qualifications as it relates to this position?

• I possess four (4) years of experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad tracks.
• I hold a bachelor's degree in a closely related field or technical specialization and two (2) years of recent experience in the construction or maintenance of railroad tracks.
• I am currently certified by the Federal Railroad Administration as a Track Inspector.
• I do not possess the qualifications as outlined.

03

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question two (2). Please provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. If you answered "yes" to a bachelor's degree, provide details regarding your education, including institution attended. Please indicate N/A if none.
04

Which of the following best describes your experience inspecting tracks, track infrastructures, walkways, vegetation, records, railroad worker protection processes, etc.?

• I have four (4) or more years of experience with extensive, polished knowledge.
• I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience.
• I have a minimum of six (6) months of experience, but less than one (1) year.
• I have less than six (6) months of experience or training.

05

For question four (4), please describe how you gained your inspection experience. Please provide dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.
06

Which best fits your professional experience independently investigating safety complaints filed against a railroad by company employees, union officials or the public regarding unsafe or hazardous track conditions?

• I have four (4) or more years of experience with extensive, polished knowledge
• I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience.
• I have a minimum of six (6) months of experience, but less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have less than six (6) months of experience or training.

07

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question six (6). In your response, provide details about the investigative methods you used. Include dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.
08

Which best fits your professional experience providing technical assistance to railroads or other impacted parties at the time of, or in the context of, any type of inspection, ensuring understanding of current safety standards, rules, laws, regulations, and policies?

• I have four (4) or more years of experience with extensive, polished knowledge
• I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience.
• I have a minimum of six (6) months of experience, but less than one (1) year of experience.
• I have less than six (6) months of experience or training.

09

For question eight (8), please describe how you maintain your understanding of current safety standards, rules, laws, regulations, and polices. Please indicate N/A if none.
10

Do you have an advanced degree in a field-related technical specialization?

• Yes
• No

11

For question ten (10), please provide details about your education, including institution attended and discipline studied. If you answered no, please indicate N/A.
12

Do you have experience conducting accident site investigations? This experience includes investigating tracks/equipment, conducting field tests, and interviewing railroad employees and event witnesses.

• Yes
• No

13

Briefly describe how you gained your experience related to question 12. In your response, provide details about the investigative methods you used. Include dates, agency/company, and position/role held. Please indicate N/A if none.
Required Question