GSMR Track Inspector

Division/Department: Maintenance of Way

Job Title: Track Inspector

Reports To: Roadmaster & Vice President and General Manager

Type of position: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Employee Classification: Regular

Location: Various locations along track line

Compensation: $18-26 hourly

Job Summary:

A Track Inspector inspects and monitors functions of railroad track and structures to assure compliance with Federal safety and health regulations among railroads, railroad employees, and contractors to railroads within the assigned geographical territory.

Benefits Offered: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a comprehensive Medical/Rx, dental and vision package with company-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), Parental Leave, Life/AD&D Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability coverage, Tuition Reimbursement, Train passes, a 401K with company-match and a generous PTO plan. Southern Highlands Attraction pass and Pass Exchange program for complimentary admission to area attractions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement a program of tack inspections per compliance with CFR Part 213.
• Perform on-ground inspections where defects to identify to determine the seriousness of the defect and the best means of correction in compliance with CFR Part 213.
• Investigate complaints from railroad employees, the general public, or Legislative or governmental representatives involving unsafe conditions of track or the other subject areas of responsibility, and interviews complainants, railroad officials, and any parties as required for proper investigation of the complaint.
• Maintains a working relationship with state and Federal Railroad Safety Inspectors.
• Conducts visual inspections either walking, and/or driving including but not limited to switches, turnouts, crossings, rail, joints, plates, fascinating systems, gauge, drainage, ballast, alignment, cross ties, vegetation.
• Properly documents, codes, communicates to Roadmaster and schedules work to repair defects expeditiously.
• Conducts inspections walking and driving looking for defects within compliance with CFR Part 213.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of thresholds for defects with the understanding of when to issue slow orders and take the track out of service.
• Maintain appropriate record keeping in compliance with CFR Part 213.241.

Work Environment:

• Work in varied terrain in all weather during both daylight and dark hours.
• Work around MOW equipment, etc.
• The work requires long periods of walking on rocky and uneven surfaces around railroad tracks and accident sites, frequent bending and crouching to measure track geometry and inspect track defects, frequent climbing of embankments and track structures, and mounting and dismounting from railroad inspection vehicles. The inspector will occasionally travel on foot as much as five miles in one day.
• Scheduled ten-hour days Monday-Thursday and rotating on-call weekends.

Education, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:

• Certificate(s) and credentials for Track Safety Standards Part 213.
• Demonstrated knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques, safety criteria for track structure and engineering, Federal railroad track safety standards Part 213.
• Familiar with identifying and properly documenting defects according to CFR Part 213.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
• Ability to be on your feet for up to 12 hours.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Good balance/equilibrium: walk graveled, uneven and/or sloped surfaces that may be wet/slippery while carrying track tools.
• Must possess organizational skills with ability to multi-task while prioritizing workload with practical, flexible and innovative approach to work.
• Ability to communicate successfully with a variety of personalities and function effectively as a member of a team.
• Must have basic business skills including a proficiency in Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point.
• Must be able to successfully complete and achieve a passing score on Fit for Duty physical capability evaluation.
• Pre-Employment & Random Drug Testing program in compliance with company policy.
• Ability to take & pass MOW Safety Training Courses.
• Valid Driver License, CDL A preferred.