What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Civil Engineer (General) position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) offers a unique and exciting engineering opportunity in its Rail Safety Engineering Section. This role focuses on overseeing railroad crossing safety improvement projects, including warning device upgrades, new crossing construction, as well as highway bridge and railroad bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects. Since the early 1900s, the PUC has regulated the railroad industry to ensure safe highway/rail crossings (above, below or at-grade) for the traveling public and the secure movement of trains throughout the Commonwealth.
While the position is headquartered in Harrisburg, it involves occasional travel across Pennsylvania for site inspections, on-site diagnostic meetings, and final project reviews. In this role, you will collaborate with representatives from the railroad industry, state agencies, utility companies, and municipalities. Responsibilities include processing applications, complaints, reviewing and certifying engineering project plans, and preparing documentation to authorize project construction. This position offers a rewarding challenge within a respected organization, with opportunities for professional growth and advancement!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Work involves serving as an engineering representative and liaison between the Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, railroad companies, local municipal governments, and non-carrier public utility companies on complex matters relating to the location, design, construction, rehabilitation, and safety of highway/rail crossings. As a Rail Safety Engineer, you will perform the following duties:
- Plan Review: Examine construction plans, bridge designs, and warning device layouts for accuracy and safety
- Safety Evaluation: Review reports and data to recommend improvements that reduce risks at highway and rail crossings
- Field Inspection: Conduct site visits, meetings, and inspections to address safety concerns and guide needed improvements
- Case Documentation: Prepare letters, orders, and summaries for crossing projects and proceedings
- Technical Support: Assist with expert testimony, technical guidance, and project recommendations for hearings
- Project Monitoring: Track the progress of assigned cases and resolve delays by coordinating with involved parties
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
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Telework: These positions are headquartered in Harrisburg. Part-time telework is a potential feature of this position. Successful candidates are required to report to the headquarters worksite daily, unless the employee meets eligibility requirements and telework has been approved by the Bureau Director.
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To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:
- Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
- Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Please direct all questions regarding reasonable distance and the type of available telework to the PUC Human Resource Office at ra-puchr@pa.gov or 717.787.8714.
- Management may discontinue any telework arrangement at any time, for any reason.
- Candidates who do not wish to telework or are not eligible to telework, will work from the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
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To be eligible to participate in telework, the employee's alternate (telework) worksite must meet the following requirements:
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- Six years of civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty and an Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
- Five years of civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty; and an Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; and an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology or a closely related engineering discipline; or
- Two years of professional civil engineering experience in the appropriate specialty, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
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You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
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We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
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For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
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