Railroad Inspector job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Railroad Inspector in details. A complete job description concludes Railroad Inspector key duties/responsibilities, Railroad Inspector job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Railroad Inspector duties:

1.      Inspection of railroad track for structural and mechanical defects in accordance with FRA  requirements and company safety practices. 

2.      Performs required maintenace on equipment and track as assigned by supervisor. 

3.      Repair and rebuild railroad track, using power and non-power hand tools as necessary.

4.      Lift and carry track material, cut brush, trees and vegetation, and clear the right-of-way of litter and cargo spillage.

5.      Cut rail, manually compress ballast, remove and install ties, and lift and carry track material with assistance.

6.      Perform Switching operations

7.      Assist with crossing proctection during locomotive movements.

II. List of Railroad Inspector qualifications

1.      Previous track inspection/maintenance experience preferred, but not required

2.      Have or be able to obtain a current state issued drivers liscense by date of hire.

3.      Must be able to pass post-offer drug test and fitness-for-duty medical review.

4.      Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

5.      Physically demanding work and involves frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, lifting, climbing and walking on gravel and other uneven surfaces.

6.      Must work outside in all types of weather conditions (rain, sleet, snow, wind, dust, extreme heat/cold).

7.      Ability to read precision gauges and instruments.

8.      Ability to read and understand Federal Railroad Administration and GCORE rules and regulations.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.