Regional Inspector
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on May 12, 2026
Now hiring: Regional Inspector
Summary
The Regional Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of railroad track infrastructure through routine and emergency inspections. This role works closely with internal teams and customers to identify potential issues, coordinate timely repairs, and maintain uninterrupted rail operations. The position requires strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to safety while operating in dynamic field conditions.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine and weather-related inspections of track, structures, and drainage systems
- Identify, report, and help resolve unsafe conditions and coordinate emergency or planned repairs
- Communicate with customers, supervisors, and crews to prioritize work and maintain service reliability
- Document inspections and maintenance activities in accordance with FRA and company standards
Requirements
- 2+ years of track maintenance experience (minimum 1 year with relevant certifications/training)
- Working knowledge of railway standards (GCOR, FRA, OTS, CWR) and maintenance practices
- Ability to perform physical labor outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Valid driver’s license required; CDL and DOT Medical Card preferred
Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Maintenance & Repair
Travel: 50% required
Schedule: Varies. M-F - 07:30-16:30 with additional hours as necessary.
Summary:
The Regional Inspector is responsible for track inspections, enforcing safety standards, customer service, and coordinating repairs to the track. Responsible for the immediate reporting and action of unsafe track conditions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- Inspect all track structures / drainage and anything likely to endanger or delay train movements.
- Participate in daily job briefings with regional supervisors and hold additional job briefings according to changing conditions.
- Monitor train movements and weather conditions to coordinate regular and weather-related inspections with customers and railroads.
- Make minor repairs and assist in coordinating and making emergency repairs.
- Detect and report changing track conditions and make recommendations to resolve the conditions in early stages.
- Communicate with customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Communicates and documents progressive capital improvements with customers and immediate supervisors as needed.
- Coordinate and schedule inspection rotation and communicate remedial repair items with production crews identifying severity and time limitations.
- Document all inspections according to NPR, Industrial, and FRA track standards.
- Inspections and maintenance estimates for contracted customers.
- May be called on to perform work other than track inspections if required by supervisor or customer.
- Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Must have at least one year’s experience in track maintenance and GCOR, OTS, CWR, and FRA training.
- Knowledge of and skills in using hand tools, power tools, and hydraulic equipment.
- Must be able to perform physical labor outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to identify and perform remedial repair action items.
- Must wear all the safety equipment required by NPR while performing duties.
Physical Demands:
NPRS may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment are required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
- Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
- May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.
Environmental:
- Continuous: Must be able to work outdoors in all extreme weather conditions outside. Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company.
- Frequent: Paperwork, reports. Works with moving machinery. Works with others. May have to answer customer complaints. On call. Works alone depending on task/project. Works on uneven surfaces. Exposed to loud noise.
- Occasional: Exposure to dust & smoke. Works in cramped quarters, inside, stand on concrete, vibration, shift work, wet conditions.
- Rare: Exposure to fumes, odors, grease & oil, chemicals, toxic materials, electrical hazard & money handling. Works at a height.
Education and Training:
- GED or higher.
- At least 2 years’ experience in track maintenance.
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
- DOT Med Card or ability to obtain one preferred
- Class A non-tractor trailer CDL preferred
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Requirements of Joining Our Team:
Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:
1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.
We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.
LIFT 2 – Physical Demands Checklist
* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely © = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously © = 67-100%
TASKS | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Sitting |
|
| X |
|
|
|
|
Standing |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Walking Distance: 600 ft |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Bending/Stooping: 2 min |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Crawling 10 ft |
| X |
|
|
|
|
|
Squatting: 10 reps |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test |
|
| X |
|
| X | NOT Pass or Fail |
Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Balancing CTSIB-M test |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Reaching Forward |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
TASKS – continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Reaching- Overhead arm’s length |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Reaching Low Level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Shoveling |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Grip Strength min. 50# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Gross & Fine coordination |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Lift / Carry |
|
|
|
|
|
| Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry |
<10# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
11-24 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
25-34 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
35-50 # |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Lift 50 # Waist to Crown |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Working outside & extreme weather conditions |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to heat /humidity |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to cold |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Using power equipment |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Slippery surfaces |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Noise |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Works with others, alone, paperwork |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Hearing |
|
|
|
| X | X | Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner’s Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA |
Speech |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner’s Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard |
Standard Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry |
Works at Heights |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Tasks-continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Electrical hazards |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Uneven surfaces |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Inhalation Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Cramped quarters |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Hazardous Material |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Chemical Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Vibration |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.
NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).
