Railroad Bridge & Track Inspector
SCS Coal Services Department
WORK LOCATION
- Position ideally based at the Energy Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Candidates living in Alabama or Georgia, or willing to relocate, will be considered.
- Relocation assistance may be available for those outside a reasonable commuting distance.
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
- Support railroad track and bridge inspections at Southern Company generating plants in Alabama, Georgia, and coastal Mississippi.
- Travel up to 75% annually, primarily field-based; includes local travel and occasional overnight trips.
- Position requires 24/7 on-call availability for structural and track issues at loadouts, railroad structures, and plant sites.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Railroad Track Inspector ensures the safety and compliance of company railroad tracks in accordance with federal regulations, specifically FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213). This role involves conducting thorough inspections, identifying defects, and recommending corrective actions to maintain track integrity and reliability.
This position may be filled at Level 4, 5, or 6, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in railroad operations or engineering preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, or related engineering field is a plus; equivalent work experience considered.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years in railroad track or bridge inspection/maintenance.
- Knowledge of track structure, geometry, train dynamics, wheel-rail interface, and related FRA standards (49 CFR Parts 213 & 237).
- Skilled in inspection tools and measurement techniques; strong attention to detail for accurate reporting.
- Familiarity with right-of-way management and drainage practices.
- Experience managing contractors and coordinating maintenance activities.
- Hands-on bridge inspection experience preferred.
Other Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience operating manlifts and/or snooper trucks for bridge inspection.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and technical writing skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Track & Bridge Inspection:
- Conduct thorough on-foot inspections of railroad tracks per FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213).
- Perform scheduled inspections (twice-weekly, weekly, monthly, semi-annual) to identify defects and wear on rails, ties, ballast, and turnouts.
- Prepare detailed inspection reports with findings and recommended corrective actions.
- Investigate derailments or rail incidents 24/7 to perform root cause analysis and assess damage.
- Assist bridge inspector with routine inspections and evaluations of railroad structures per FRA Bridge Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 237).
Maintenance Planning & Coordination:
- Use inspection data to develop scopes of work and manage contractors performing track maintenance.
- Collaborate with plant management and maintenance teams to prioritize repairs and develop short- and long-term maintenance plans aligned with safety and budget goals.
- Ensure all inspection activities follow company safety policies and federal regulations; stay current on regulatory changes and best practices.
- Review and approve contractor invoices; coordinate with fuels, engineering, and maintenance teams for timely repairs.
BENEFITS
- Competitive Pay
- Excellent benefits packages include:
+ Medical and dental coverage
+ Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan
+ Performance-sharing plan
+ 401(k) plan with a generous company match
+ Bonus opportunities
+ Tuition Reimbursement
*Please submit an updated resume with your application_
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 15791
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
