Provides the overall technical/professional expertise in all areas of statewide enforcement of Federal and State laws, rules and regulations relating to rail carriers. Independently plans, prepares, analyzes and coordinates investigations and inspections relating to rail carriers.

Assists the Transportation Programs Compliance Manager in planning and coordinating the statewide enforcement of State and Federal Rail Safety Participation Program; coordinates safety inspections and investigations of grade crossings, signal protection, operating equipment, clearances, train speeds, railroad sanitation and rail accidents; supervises Railroad Scale Inspector on scale inspections in Washington and Oregon;

As assigned, acts as team leader for investigations involving rail and motor carrier accidents and performs the more complex investigations or inspections;

Under direction of the Transportation Programs Compliance Manager, reviews, analyzes and makes recommendations concerning applications and petitions for grade crossings and for participation in the grade crossing protective fund, railroad scale testing programs, safety programs and impacts of abandonments and/or relocation of railroad facilities;

Under authority of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, assists Manager in the planning of the State Federal Rail Safety Participation Program;

Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of pre hearing reports, illustrative sketches, graphs, drawings and estimates in proceedings relating to the opening or closing of grade crossings, formUlating of automatic signals; provides technical assistance for reviewing garbage and bus routing certification applications; presents expert testimony as Commission witness before various Federal agencies, Federal or State courts, and Commission formal hearings;

Ensures accident data is properly compiled and oversees that rail accident analysis publications are processed annually;

Coordinates engineering data, safety and sanitation regulations with State and Federal agencies;

Coordinates with Rail and Motor Carrier Law Enforcement Training Officer in reviewing and recommending training and training programs for Railroad Inspectors;

Obtains from inspectors necessary data from field analysis and other sources to ensure continual updating of railroad crossing computer inventory systems, as it relates to the improvement of grade crossing safety;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, court decisions, Attorney General's opinions and Utility and Transportation Commission rulings and orders pertaining to railroads; operation of rolling stock; track scale testing; organization and problems of railroad industry; State of Washington and U.S. Bureau of Standards scale testing rules; engineering principles, practices and methods.

Ability to: plan and direct work of professional and technical personnel; interpret and explain laws, rules and regulations to enforcement personnel; supervise and maintain accurate accident file and grade crossing inventory file; maintain favorable public relations; write and speak clearly, accurately, concisely and informatively; travel frequently and for extended periods.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in transportation, business or public administration or engineering.

AND

Four years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity in governmental regulation of railroads or railroad industry subject to State and/or Federal regulation or as a Railroad Inspector 2.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for education.

Note: A valid Washington State driver's license is required for appointment to and continued employment in this class.

An extensive background investigation may be conducted prior to appointment in this class.

New class Effective November 10, 1969
Revised Code change (formerly 6084) June 10, 1983
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, and title change (formerly Railroad Engineering Specialist) June 15, 1984
Revised definition and title change (formerly Rail Carrier Law Enforcement Assistant Chief) and general revision January 9, 1987
New class code: (formerly 42580) effective July 1, 2007

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.