Signal Inspector / Investigator

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please Click Here to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on "How to apply".

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager - standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.


Under the general direction of a Rail Safety Inspector - Supervisor the incumbent executes elements of the Commission's safety oversight responsibilities of rail transit and other fixed guideway systems. The incumbent will conduct complex investigative and surveillance activities with respect to maintenance and operations of rail transit agency and other fixed guideway system signal, train control, and overhead and third rail power systems. Incumbent will make comprehensive signal and train control inspections and investigate adequacy of equipment maintenance methods, investigate and inspect general system safety; make recommendations of proper corrective action to be taken in order to bring such rail transit agency systems into compliance with rules and regulations and associated rail transit agency Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and relevant agency procedures; audit/review system maintenance records; interprets and confirms results of testing, participate in investigations of rail transit agency and fixed guideway system accidents; assists in the preparation of reports and exhibits, and does other job-related work as required.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


This position requires travel.


This is an in-office position that has been identified as field-based. Field-based workers spend 50% or more time in the field, requiring onsite attendance to perform their duties. Their assigned headquarter office will be based on the selected candidate's primary residence location.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-525394


Position #(s):
680-141-3946-009

Working Title:
Signal Inspector / Investigator


Classification:
RAIL SAFETY INSPECTOR $7,136.00 - $8,934.00

Effective July 1, 2025 , CalHR launched the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 with Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 temporarily reduces state employee pay in exchange for leave hours to help address budget shortfalls. Salary ranges in this posting exclude the temporary reduction. For details, visit CalHR's Personnel Leave Program (PLP) page.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information Rail Safety Division/RTSB/RTOSS

The mission of the Rail Safety Division (RSD) is to diligently strive to inspire safe and reliable rail transportation in California by promoting and enforcing railroad, rail crossing and rail transit safety; and by improving or establishing a positive rail safety culture therein, through our inspection and enforcement efforts and our resolve to look beyond the regulations. RSD strives to enforce state and federal laws, regulations, orders, and directives relating proactively and effectively to transportation of persons or commodities by rail. RSD is comprised of the Railroad Operations Safety Branch (ROSB), Rail Crossings and Engineering Branch (RCEB), and Rail Transit Safety Branch (RTSB).


Department Website:


Special Requirements
A valid California Driver's License, Class C, is required.

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

Please number your responses in the same order as the questions are listed, 1- 3. Do not consolidate your responses.

• Describe knowledge of signal circuitry, equipment, protective relays, and signal systems, and experience reading and understanding signal prints and nomenclature.
• Experience in automatic train control systems, automatic block signal systems, interlocking, traffic control systems, automatic cab signals, and highway/rail grade crossing warning devices.
• Experience conducting studies of signaling failure mode and effects analysis and preparing detailed technical reports relating to railroad signaling systems and failures.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account a t

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at

Employment information on the STD 678 State Application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/3/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Attn: Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008


San Francisco , CA 94102


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Human Resources Division
505 Van Ness Ave, Room 3008


San Francisco , CA 94102
Monday - Friday Except Holidays
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) is required. Please see "Special Requirements" for instructions.
• Other - Cover Letter : Please submit a cover letter of not more than one typewritten page and no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced which describes how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience working with a railroad or rail transit agency in the signal and train control area.
• Experience working with a State or Federal railroad or rail transit safety regulatory oversight agency.

Benefits Benefits Summary



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Talent Acquisition Unit
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Hiring Unit Contact:
Salvador Herrera
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.