JOB 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!
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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:
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Plan Review: Examine construction plans, bridge designs, and warning device layouts for accuracy and safety
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Safety Evaluation: Review reports and data to recommend improvements that reduce risks at highway and rail crossings
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Field Inspection: Conduct site visits, meetings, and inspections to address safety concerns and guide needed improvements
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Case Documentation: Prepare letters, orders, and summaries for crossing projects and proceedings
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Technical Support: Assist with expert testimony, technical guidance, and project recommendations for hearings
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Project Monitoring: Track the progress of assigned cases and resolve delays by coordinating with involved parties
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
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Full-time employment
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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:
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Within a reasonable travel distance of headquarters; and
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Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Please direct all questions regarding reasonable distance and the type of available telework to the PUC Human Resource Office at [email protected] or 717.787.8714.
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Management may discontinue any telework arrangement at any time, for any reason.
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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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Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
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You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
SUPPLEMENTAL 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).
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Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
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Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
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You must provide complete and accurate information or:
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your score may be lower than deserved.
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you may be disqualified.
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You may only apply/test once for this posting.
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Your results will be provided via email.
